Denmark switches to higher winter electricity tariffs tomorrow

Electricity grid charges will rise on 1 October as Denmark switches to winter tariffs, making the time of day more important for household costs, DR reports.

The tariffs cover the cost of transporting electricity through the grid. They vary throughout the day and are highest when demand puts the greatest pressure on the network. Winter tariffs apply through the end of March.

Green Power Denmark says electricity use typically increases in winter as people spend more time indoors, use more lighting and turn up the heat. The tariffs are intended to encourage consumers to move some use, such as charging electric cars and running washing machines and dishwashers, away from the busiest hours.

September has also brought sharp swings in electricity prices. Norlys says the month is set to be the most expensive for Danish electricity customers since December 2022, with average wholesale prices of 1.05 kroner per kilowatt-hour in western Denmark and 1.07 kroner in the east. The most expensive hour reached 5.5 kroner in the west and 5.4 kroner in the east, while some hours were close to zero.

Energy-saving advice from SparEnergi includes filling washing machines and dishwashers, using eco programmes, drying clothes on a line when possible and switching off lights and electronics when they are not in use.