Over ten days after Storm Johannes struck on December 27, 2025, hundreds of households in Gävleborg remain without electricity amid prolonged outages exacerbated by a post-New Year snowstorm. Power company Ellevio intensifies restoration efforts as residents face ongoing cold, isolation, and uncertainty.
Since the initial widespread outages reported in the wake of Storm Johannes—which killed three and affected tens of thousands mainly in Gävleborg and Västernorrland—challenges persist as of January 7, 2026. Over 700 households in Gävleborg are still without power, according to Ellevio, marking the worst situation since Storm Gudrun in 2005.
In Söderhamn, Ann-Kristin Johansson, 71, and Per Inge Johansson, 75, have endured twelve days without electricity, with temperatures hitting -18°C. They alternate between firing up stoves and clearing snow, spending 1,500 kronor on candles and generator fuel. 'It’s better to think negatively so you don’t get disappointed,' says Ann-Kristin, frustrated by delays despite locating a downed cable themselves.
Near Bollnäs, Jonas Hedin, 42, and Ann-Sofie manage with a gas stove and generator but face a critical water shortage due to animals. 'It feels somewhat hopeless,' says Jonas, citing poor communication from Ellevio amid piled-up dishes and laundry.
Simon Nilsen, 36, in Katrineberg copes in one room amid broken power poles, missing lighting most and doubting Ellevio’s Sunday restoration prognosis. Neighborhood solidarity has grown through mutual aid.
In Råhällan between Gävle and Ockelbo, Börje Löfgren and Margareta Engström regained power after ten days of wood stove use and well water fetching at -20°C. 'It’s been tough, but breaking down doesn’t help,' says Börje.
Ellevio’s Jonatan Björck notes 180 workers on site, with timelines delayed by weather and damage. The company pledges statutory compensation up to three times the annual fee, e.g., 45,000 kronor.
