Swedish Residents Face Prolonged Financial Strain Due to High Electricity Prices

Sweden is grappling with persistently high electricity prices that are severely impacting residents' finances, particularly in municipalities like Bergs kommun. Local authorities there have implemented payment plans to assist residents struggling with soaring electricity bills. The municipal board chair, Therese Kärngard (S), has called for a state electricity support scheme, emphasizing that many people face financial hardship despite not qualifying for existing aid. The government has allocated 2.4 billion kronor for a high-cost protection scheme, but it has yet to be put into effect.

Electricity prices have surged in both northern and southern Sweden, with spot prices reaching approximately 1.25 kronor per kWh in the north and 1.3 kronor per kWh in the south this February. Factors driving these high prices include cold weather, high demand, weak winds, and low reservoir levels, forcing producers to charge more. According to electricity price analyst Christian Holtz, these prices are expected to remain high until the spring melt. Elbolaget Bixia warns that the low water reservoir levels will keep pressures on prices at least until summer.

Therese Kärngard also criticized the Aurora Line, the new electricity connection between northern Sweden and Finland, which she claims has further increased electricity costs. In response to the crisis, Bergs kommun plans to develop a municipal electricity support program for local associations and promote education to reduce electricity consumption. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson attributes the situation to past governmental decisions on nuclear power and stresses that the current government is working to resolve the issue.

Many residents report drastic bill increases; for example, the Hjertström Tamrell family’s electricity expenses have tripled compared to last year, underscoring the crisis's real impact on Swedish households.