Regional Electricity Price Disparities in Sweden This Summer
Sweden's electricity prices show marked regional differences this summer, with northern prices dropping and middle prices surging due to maintenance.
Key Points
- • Northern Sweden sees electricity prices drop to 13-14 öre per kWh, down from 18 öre last summer.
- • Middle Sweden experiences a sharp increase in prices to around 32 öre per kWh due to nuclear reactor maintenance.
- • Southern Sweden's prices are stable at approximately 50 öre per kWh, consistent year-over-year.
- • Negative electricity prices are expected during peak solar hours, benefiting consumers.
As Sweden enters summer 2025, significant regional disparities in electricity prices have emerged, driven by various factors including weather and maintenance schedules. In northern Sweden, electricity prices are projected to drop to between 13-14 öre per kilowatt-hour due to robust hydropower production, which benefited from high water levels following a wet autumn and winter. This represents a reduction from 18 öre per kilowatt-hour during the same period last year. Johan Sigvardsson from Bixia highlighted that the surplus of hydropower has stabilized electricity costs in the north, creating a favorable scenario for consumers.
Conversely, middle Sweden is facing a stark increase with prices expected to rise to around 32 öre per kilowatt-hour, marking a 70% surge compared to summer 2024. This spike is attributed mainly to maintenance on the Oskarshamn 3 nuclear reactor, which is anticipated to last until mid-August. In southern Sweden, electricity prices are expected to remain steady at about 50 öre per kilowatt-hour, consistent with the previous year’s rates.
Interestingly, negative electricity prices are forecast during peak solar hours, allowing energy consumers to take advantage of lower costs and potentially save money by running their appliances in those time slots. However, a warmer and drier summer across Europe might lead to increased demand for fossil fuels as fall approaches, introducing uncertainty about future electricity prices.