Helsinki Arena faces potential blackout risk amid payment dispute with Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The electricity supply at the Helsinki Arena could pose a serious risk, warns the arena management company, Helsinki Halli Oy. The facility houses ammonia tanks, and without electrical supervision, there is a potential risk of explosion, according to company experts.

The electricity supply is in jeopardy as the arena management company has been unable to pay their electricity bill, despite having over six million euros in reserves. Board member Kai Paananen stated that the issue is not a lack of willingness to pay, but rather a new interpretation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which prohibits payments through third parties. Paananen noted that previously, the Ministry allowed such payments.

The company lacks a banking agreement due to concerns about reputational risks. “The electricity contract is at risk of termination on Monday. We are doing everything to resolve the issue and ensure the power continues. We are also prepared for a potential blackout,” Paananen said.

Risks associated with ammonia are acknowledged and being managed. Paananen also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take responsibility. Discussions regarding the future of the arena are ongoing, and no one benefits from it being without heat and electricity.

The Helsinki Fire Department stated that the property owner must clarify the situation in collaboration with the electricity provider, Helen. Helen’s CEO Markus Lehtonen indicated that electricity would remain supplied if authorities contacted them, but noted that they had not received any such communication.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied claims of a new interpretation of permit issuance. According to Pia Sarivaara, the Ministry has given exceptions specifically to the arena management. She did not comment on whether the Ministry received applications related to the electricity bill payment. Meanwhile, the future of Helsinki Arena remains uncertain as it has largely remained empty since the start of the Ukraine conflict and subsequent sanctions.