Power Surcharge 2025 – What does the change mean for your electricity bill?

Here we provide a clear overview of the new pricing model, how peak power affects costs, and what measures you can take to reduce your electricity consumption.

From January 1, 2025, several Swedish electricity grid companies will introduce a new pricing model based on power – a so-called power surcharge. This means that households will no longer only pay for how much electricity they use (kWh), but also for how much power they use simultaneously (kW). The purpose is to balance the load on the electricity grid and avoid expensive expansions.

What is a power surcharge?

The power surcharge is a fee based on the household's highest simultaneous electricity consumption during a month. It is therefore not the amount of electricity that costs the most, but when and how quickly the electricity is used. For example, if you charge your electric car, run the washing machine, and use the stove at the same time – this creates a power peak that can be expensive.

How are households without ESS affected?

For households without energy storage, the power surcharge presents a new challenge. Many find it difficult to control their electricity usage during off-peak hours, especially families with children and fixed routines. This can lead to higher costs – not because they use more electricity, but because they use it simultaneously.

Tips for reducing power peaks:

• Schedule washing machine and dishwasher use for nighttime.
• Avoid using several large electrical appliances simultaneously.
• Switch to a smaller main fuse if your actual power consumption is low.

How are households with ESS affected?

Households that have installed an energy storage system (ESS), such as batteries, have a significant advantage. These systems can store electricity during off-peak hours (when electricity is cheap and the grid is less loaded) and then use it during peak hours. This is called peak shaving – and it can significantly reduce power peaks.

Advantages of ESS:

• Reduces power peaks and thus the power surcharge.
• Increases self-sufficiency and flexibility.
• Combined with solar cells, ESS can provide even greater savings.

Important to know: ESS charging can create its own power peaks

Although an ESS can help reduce power peaks, there is an important aspect to consider: the charging of the battery itself can create new power peaks – especially if charging occurs during times of high load on the electricity grid.

If the battery is charged with high power (e.g., 5–10 kW) while the household uses other electricity-intensive appliances, the total power usage can skyrocket. This triggers the power surcharge and can lead to higher costs – even though the household has a battery.

How to manage ESS charging smartly

To prevent ESS charging from becoming a cost-driving factor itself, households with battery storage should think strategically about charging times and control:

1. Schedule charging – charge the battery during off-peak hours (e.g., nighttime).
2. Limit charging current – set the maximum charging current in the battery system.
3. Integrate with solar cells – charge the battery directly from solar panels during the day.
4. Use load balancing – dynamic control that pauses charging during high load.
5. Monitor and optimize – follow the household's power profile and adjust behavior.

Conclusion

The power surcharge is part of Sweden's electrification strategy – but it requires households to adapt. For those without ESS, it may mean higher costs and a need for changed habits. For those with ESS, it is an opportunity to save money – but only if charging is done smartly.