Electricity prices in southern Sweden are reaching record highs, sparking criticism from local leaders like Christian Sonesson. The disparity in prices across the country is attributed to reduced nuclear power production and low wind energy. Sonesson calls for government action to address the issue and expand energy resources.
Outrage Over Soaring Electricity Prices in Southern Sweden
Outrage Over Soaring Electricity Prices in Southern Sweden
Electricity prices are skyrocketing in southern Sweden. Christian Sonesson is furious about the significant price differences across the country.
– Completely outrageous, says the local Moderate Party leader in Staffanstorp.
Electricity prices in southern Sweden are heading towards the highest level since last winter, reports TT. This is despite it being summer when electricity consumption is generally low.
The reason is reduced nuclear power production and low wind. There is also a risk of rising prices in the autumn.
– It is a major fundamental injustice because it has been going on for so many years. It is sad that they have not managed to solve it, says Christian Sonesson (M), chairman of the municipal board in Staffanstorp.
Criticism: “Foolish Decision”
The electricity price in zone four averages 63 öre per kilowatt-hour, according to the electricity exchange Nordpool. Meanwhile, the price in Norrland is 6-7 öre.
– We have seen since 2021 that prices are soaring because the capacity is insufficient and so is the transmission capacity. The root of the problem is the foolish decision to shut down nuclear power, which is manageable, especially in southern Sweden, says Christian Sonesson.
High prices for a few days are not a problem, he argues, but when it continues for longer periods, it becomes an issue.
– That there is a difference of a hundred and sometimes a thousand percent in electricity prices is, of course, not reasonable. I don't think anyone would think it was fair if it were more expensive in another part of the country. There is a popular aversion to this kind of disparity in basic needs, he says.
Demand on the Government
Christian Sonesson believes that the government, with his own party at the forefront, should do more – both to expand nuclear power in the long term and to quickly increase energy supply, for example through cogeneration.
– Some things have been handled well, such as decisions about nuclear power. But they have not solved the issue of electricity price area division, which is completely outrageous. Ebba Busch has a great responsibility here. There should be one electricity price area in the whole country, as in Germany, says Christian Sonesson.
He points out that Energy Minister Ebba Busch (KD) promised a high-cost protection before the 2022 election, but it has not yet been implemented.
– People should not have to feel this anxiety. They have not compensated electricity customers since the winter of 2022, and that was thanks to our push from below, he says.
Expressen has sought Ebba Busch.