How to Lower Your Electricity Bill
Learn smart tricks to reduce your electricity consumption and save thousands each year, from choosing the right electricity contract to optimizing your home.
Understanding Your Bill
Your electricity bill in Sweden consists of two main parts: the electricity network fee (elnätsavgift) and the electricity trading fee (elhandelsavgift). The network fee is paid to the company that owns the power grid in your area and is non-negotiable. The trading fee is what you pay for the electricity you actually use, and this is where you can make significant savings.
1. Choose the Right Electricity Contract
There are three main types of contracts:
- Fixed Price (Fast pris): You pay a fixed price per kWh for a set period (e.g., 1-3 years). This provides stability and protects you from price spikes, but you might miss out if market prices drop.
- Variable Price (Rörligt pris): The price per kWh follows the market rate on the Nord Pool power exchange. It's often cheaper over time but can be volatile.
- Hourly Rate (Timpris): Your price changes every hour. This is for active consumers who can shift their usage (e.g., charging an EV, running the dishwasher) to off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest.
Use comparison sites like Compricer or Elskling to find the best deal for your situation.
2. Reduce Your Consumption
Simple changes can have a big impact:
- Heating: Lower your indoor temperature by one degree to save about 5% on heating costs. Seal drafts from windows and doors.
- Appliances: Use energy-efficient appliances (look for A-rated labels). Don't leave devices on standby.
- Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Laundry: Wash at lower temperatures (30-40°C) and air-dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.