Starting in October, Vattenfall will introduce peak tariffs for a test group, affecting nearly a million customers. By December 2026, all electricity network companies must implement these tariffs, which charge more for high short-term electricity usage. The goal is to distribute electricity use throughout the day to reduce strain on the grid.
Rising Electricity Costs: How Peak Usage Affects Your Bill
Rising Electricity Costs: How Peak Usage Affects Your Bill
Are you charging your car while running the dishwasher and washing machine? Soon, electricity will become more expensive, even for nearly a million Vattenfall customers. The state-owned electricity network company will introduce so-called peak tariffs for a small test group in October.
All electricity network companies must implement peak tariffs by December 31, 2026. This fee considers how customers, both households and businesses, use their electricity.
High electricity usage over a short period, such as when many appliances run simultaneously, will become more costly. The legislator's intention is to spread electricity usage throughout the day, reducing the load on the grid.
Several electricity network companies have already switched to peak tariffs. Among the major ones, Ellevio was the first at the turn of the last year. Now, Vattenfall is also making a move. Initially, only 2,000 customers will act as test pilots. Then, by the fall of 2026, larger customer groups will be included.
The fee will be based on a fixed charge, a variable transmission fee, and a variable peak tariff, which will be based on an average of the five highest peak usages during a month in the winter season.
However, electricity network companies are not allowed to charge higher fees for the entire customer base solely due to the transition to peak tariffs.