Anyone who has large electricity guzzlers at home will have a lot to gain from shifting their consumption to the night and evening hours when electricity charges are introduced in all power grid areas this year.
The new electricity pricing model is about increasing capacity in the power grids while at the same time avoiding large investments that would otherwise have ended up in the laps of customers. Now it’s no longer just important how much electricity you use, but also how much you use at one time.
Unnecessarily complicated and ineffective, say the critics.
But that’s not all.
– There is clearly an increased risk of limiting electricity use to nighttime when you lie down and sleep, says electricity expert Joakim Jonsson of the Fire Protection Association.
When electricity prices skyrocket at the same time as electricity tariffs are introduced in the country, many people find it attractive to, for example, run washing machines, dishwashers, drying cupboards and tumble dryers at night.
According to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority, products cause around one hundred fires every year. An authority such as the Fire Protection Association advises against using electrical appliances if you are not supervising them.
Among the household items that catch fire despite being used properly, washing machines are the most common starting point, i.e. the place where the fire started. Next come the dryer and dishwasher.
“I understand that you want to save money by controlling usage late in the evening and at night, but when you sleep you have no idea what’s going on,” says Joakim Jonsson.
In this situation, there is neither monitoring nor the willingness to quickly rescue, alert and extinguish the fire. And when a fire actually occurs, minutes and seconds can make a big difference, he explains.
But what if you have well-functioning fire alarms?
– Then you’ll get a little excited, but fire smoke has a sedating effect that can quickly lead to unconsciousness.
Doesn’t it make sense to spread electricity consumption for security reasons?
– Yes, theoretically. The electrical system in the home is designed to have a consistent load throughout the day. However, here you are instructed to use the electricity for significantly fewer hours.
– If the system is overloaded, overheating, loose contacts and, in the worst case, a fire can occur in the system, says Joakim Jonsson.
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Facts.Electrical fires in the house
The emergency services call almost 700 households every year where faults in the electrical equipment have led to fires or accidents.
100 of these are related to faults in washing machines, dryers, drying cupboards and dishwashers. In other words: products that you choose when to use them.
The cause can be incorrect installation, loose plugs or pinched cables.
Most fires in refrigerators and freezers occur in the summer when the compressor uses more power, while electrical fires occur more often in the winter when more electricity is used.
Source: The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority
Facts.Therefore, impact fees are introduced
The background is an EU directive that states that tariffs must be designed in such a way that they contribute to the efficient use of the electricity grid.
The aim is to shift and balance electricity consumption during times of lower network load.
According to a decision by the Energy Market Inspectorate (Ei), all Swedish electricity network operators must have introduced electricity charges by January 1, 2027 at the latest.
Ei will continue to monitor performance fee results throughout the year.
Ei must also review the regulation of companies’ revenue frameworks to ensure customers pay appropriate fees.
Source: Energy Market Regulatory Authority
