Pori city council faces pressure over potential Pori Energia sale amid citizen opposition

The sale of Pori Energia requires additional efforts from local politicians just days before the Christmas truce declaration. If the city council decides to propose selling the minority stake in the energy company, the decision will not be ready for the upcoming regular council meeting on December 9. Consequently, the council will need to convene for an extraordinary session on December 20, or the transaction will be postponed until next year.

The council has empowered the city board and officials to prepare for the sale of the city’s minority share in Pori Energia. Mayor Lauri Inna has stated that he will only present the deal for approval if a suitable buyer is found and if the sale price is satisfactory. The search for a buyer and the valuation of Pori Energia are still ongoing. Officials are under pressure to finalize the potential sale and gain regulatory approval before the municipal elections, or it may become a significant election issue.

The proposed sale has ignited strong emotions in Pori, with a citizen initiative opposing the move already gathering around 2,000 signatures from residents. A quarter of the city council expressed opposition to advancing the sale as early as August. Opposition is particularly notable among the SDP, Left Alliance, Finns Party, and Liike Nyt. The SDP has been notably divided, with prominent member Krista Kiuru opposing the sale, contrary to the leadership of the local party group.

Mayor Inna justifies seeking a buyer by suggesting that the proceeds could be partially reinvested to generate income for the city. City officials believe that a successful sale could significantly improve Pori’s financial situation. However, opponents question the rationale behind selling a profitable energy company and wonder who would buy the shares when better returns are available elsewhere. The city management emphasizes that Pori Energia does not generate returns as high as traditional investments, appealing to potential buyers with a vision of growing electricity markets. Inna has attempted to alleviate concerns about potential price increases in electricity transmission costs, noting that such rates are closely regulated and that Pori Energia already charges maximum rates in its area.