The uncertainty about the support paid to companies angers the business world, which fears that bankruptcies will increase.
STOCKHOLM Swedish Minister of Energy and Economic Affairs Ebba Busch announced on Wednesday morning that compensation for expensive electricity will begin to be paid to households in February. There is no certainty about the support of the companies yet.
Sweden is divided in electricity pricing into four regions. Especially in the two southernmost regions, electricity prices have been at their peak.
The right-wing parties promised during the autumn election campaign that compensation for electricity bills would start to be paid from the beginning of November. It was not practically possible, but the compensations for households in central and southern Sweden will start in February.
Reimbursements are paid automatically through Sweden’s Kela, and there is no need to apply for support.
In central Sweden, i.e. the so-called triple region, the compensation is about five cents per kilowatt hour, and in the southernmost region, i.e. the fourth region, just under eight cents per kilowatt hour.
The support is paid according to actual consumption for the period between October 2021 and September 2022.
According to Busch, in the southernmost part of Sweden, average single-family house residents receive support of around 16,000 kroner, or just under 1,500 euros, and in central Sweden around 900 euros.
Companies still have to wait
Minister Busch emphasized that the government intends to pay support to companies as well, but the related practical investigations are still in progress.
Peak electricity prices have hit many companies hard. Some have solved the problem by switching to only night shifts, when the price of electricity is lower.
Some greenhouse entrepreneurs announced right from the beginning of autumn that growing tomatoes, for example, is not profitable at current electricity prices.
The lack of clarity about the support paid to companies infuriates the business world, where it is feared that bankruptcies will increase.
– This causes great difficulties for companies that find it difficult to cope with their bills and therefore money would be needed here and now, CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Interest Association Günther Mårder evaluates the news agency TT.
You can discuss the topic on Thu 1.12. until 11 p.m.