Authorities assess electricity supply crisis at Helsinki Arena amid payment disputes

Before any potential power cut at the Helsinki Arena, authorities will check if such an action is permissible. This was reported by Markus Lehtonen, CEO of Helen Sähköverkko, on Sunday. The electricity supply will not be interrupted on Monday at the turn of the day; instead, the situation will be assessed during the weekdays.

Helsinki Halli, which manages the arena, stated on Friday that their electricity contract will be terminated on Monday and that cutting off the supply could pose a serious risk. The company noted that there are ammonia tanks in the arena which require continuous electrical monitoring.

The hall operator has been unable to pay its electricity bill. Board member Kai Paananen mentioned in a statement that the issue is not a matter of willingness to pay, but rather that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responsible for sanctions enforcement, does not permit payment through a third party. The hall operator lacks a banking service agreement because the bank cites reputation risk.

Paananen indicated that this represents a new interpretation, as the ministry had previously granted permissions for such payments. Pia Sarivaara, deputy head of the sanctions unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed on Friday that exceptional permits for bill payments have specifically been issued to the hall management.

The Helsinki Arena remains unused since Russia launched its major invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The arena’s owners have discussed selling the venue, and according to reports, leasing it to hockey legend Teemu Selänne has also been on the table. Sanoma and Sanoma Trade are minority shareholders in Helsinki Halli, with Sanoma Media Finland being the largest owner.