Electricity prices more than doubled in southern Sweden during October compared to the same month last year. The average price reached 60-70 öre per kilowatt-hour in Sweden's two southernmost electricity zones. These areas cover Svealand and Götaland, which include major population centers like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Price monitoring data shows this represents more than double last October's rates of 20-30 öre per kWh. In electricity zone 3, covering Svealand and northern Götaland, October became the most expensive month since February.
Northern Sweden maintained significantly lower prices at 13-14 öre per kWh. The substantial price difference between regions highlights Sweden's divided electricity market.
Some relief may arrive when idled nuclear reactors eventually restart. Several reactors have been offline for maintenance and unexpected repairs. Their return to service could help stabilize prices during the coming winter months.
The price surge comes as Sweden prepares for winter heating demand. Households across southern Sweden face substantially higher electricity bills during the colder months. This development puts additional pressure on family budgets already strained by general inflation.
Energy analysts note that Sweden's electricity market remains fragmented despite years of discussion about creating a unified national grid. The persistent price gap between north and south continues to create economic disparities between regions.