State-owned Vattenfall is raising electricity network fees by 14 percent despite a profit of 33.4 billion kronor, drawing sharp criticism from politicians and the public. Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch has summoned network companies for a meeting, while Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson calls it unfair to consumers. Former MP Richard Herrey describes the increase as irresponsible.
Vattenfall, the state-owned energy company, reports a profit of 33.4 billion kronor but plans to raise electricity network fees by 14 percent anyway. Similar increases are being implemented by Ellevio. The decision has prompted reactions from the regulatory body Energimarknadsinspektionen and several ministers. Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch has called the network companies for discussions. On X, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson states that the hike is not fair to Swedish consumers.
Criticism resonates among ordinary citizens as well. Richard Herrey, former MP and Eurovision winner, expresses frustration: 'I think it stings enormously in the eyes of ordinary people that there are such enormous profits and that fees are raised in this way.' He calls it 'horrible' on X and notes that seven billion kronor went back to the state last year – funds that could have addressed Vattenfall's maintenance debt.
Herrey views the increase as an extra tax: 'Now it becomes like an extra tax that people pay, because everyone has electricity.' He also criticizes CEO Anna Borg's salary of over 1.5 million kronor per month, which rose by 5.4 percent last year and is the highest among state executives. 'There must be reason and rhyme,' he says, emphasizing the responsibility of state companies not to charge excessive fees.
Vattenfall has not responded to Expressen's inquiries.