There is no expected electricity crisis, but electricity will be significantly more expensive than last winter. Analysts have warned of this repeatedly.
The decisive factors are lower-than-normal water reservoir levels, plus skyrocketing gas prices that make electricity more expensive on the continent and primarily affect the southern half of Sweden.
The price of electricity is already at higher levels than last year. And autumn will not be much better, when half of Sweden's nuclear power fleet will be temporarily shut down for annual inspections.
Extra blow
The real blow is expected this winter, according to electricity futures prices, when consumption also normally rises.
The electricity trading company God El has based this on the monthly cost for some typical households during the period December–February. In southernmost Sweden, electricity area 4, the electricity bill (excluding electricity grid and tax) for a homeowner is expected to be around SEK 3,700 per month. That is SEK 700 more per month than last winter, or several thousand Swedish kronor in total for the colder period.
During the electricity crisis winter of 2022–23, the monthly cost was around SEK 4,800, but then substantial government electricity subsidies expired.
In electricity area 3, Svealand and northern Götaland, the bill is predicted to be around SEK 3,100 per month, an increase of SEK 300.
In Norrland, electricity areas 1 and 2, the price will increase by SEK 300 to SEK 2,100.
Several more thousand kronor
In addition to the total electricity bill, the typical homeowner, who uses approximately 20,000 kWh per year, will pay almost SEK 2,000 per month in network fees and electricity tax on average over the year - a cost independent of the electricity price itself. However, during the winter months, more electricity is consumed, which is why the monthly cost during the winter is much higher.
For apartment customers, this is a significantly lower sum. But one tip is to already take into account what is to come.
"Considering how uncertain it is with weather, wind, war and unrest in our world, the forecast can change quickly if something big happens. We have to hope for the best but prepare for expensive electricity bills this winter," says God El's CEO Maria Erdmann.
