Power network price rises put companies at risk of regulator action
Sunday 11th October 2026 on 04:45 in
Finland
Forty-seven of Finland’s 77 electricity distribution companies have raised their charges this year, prompting the Energy Authority to investigate possible breaches of pricing limits and warn that some customers may be due refunds, Yle reports.
Higher distribution charges could add to household electricity bills in winter 2026–27. Electricity prices are also expected to be higher than last winter, the article says.
The Energy Authority says at least three companies appear to have exceeded the annual price increase cap of 8 per cent. It is checking whether the cap was followed. If customers have been charged too much, companies must repay the excess later, the authority’s director, Veli-Pekka Saajo, said.
One example is PKS Sähkönsiirto, which serves North Karelia and Koillis-Savo. The company raised its charges last year and must now make refunds, according to the article.
Companies have cited investment costs for improving electricity supply reliability and electrification, as well as higher charges from Fingrid, Finland’s national grid operator. Saajo said the number of companies raising prices was unexpectedly high, given that the authority had assessed their financial position as generally strong.
All distribution companies’ price levels also rose in spring after the government increased the security-of-supply fee collected alongside electricity tax. The fee rose from 0.013 to 0.085 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Among the companies that raised their own charges this year were Helen Sähköverkko, Caruna Espoo, Sipoon Energia, Tampereen Energia Sähköverkko, Vantaan Energia Sähköverkot, Lahti Energia Sähköverkko, Oulun Energia Sähköverkko and Järvi-Suomen Energia. Helen Sähköverkko’s increase averaged 7 per cent from the start of October. The article estimates that this would add about one euro a month for an apartment resident and more than four euros for a household in an electrically heated detached house.
Electricity bills cover both the energy used and its distribution. Customers can choose their electricity supplier, but distribution is handled by the network company serving their area. Bills also include electricity tax and value-added tax.