Swedish parliament challenges EU powers over electricity bills

Sweden’s parliament has formally challenged parts of an EU proposal on affordable electricity bills, arguing that Brussels has not justified taking more control over grid charges and energy taxation.

The Riksdag approved the objection on Wednesday. Its decision concerns which level of government should make the rules; it does not itself alter household tariffs or taxes.

Grid tariffs cover what customers pay to connect to and use the electricity network. MPs object to what they regard as far-reaching harmonisation and detailed EU regulation of those charges, alongside proposed energy-tax provisions.

In the parliamentary debate, Centre Party MP Anders Ådahl said all eight parties on the industry committee supported the objection. He also stressed that connected European electricity markets make cooperation important for competitiveness, security of supply and electrification.

Parliament will send a reasoned opinion to the presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission. Its argument is that the Commission has not sufficiently shown why the disputed objectives cannot be achieved by member countries themselves.

DailySweden

DailySweden's desk of editors, reporters, researchers and investigative journalists. We bring readers factual, truthful and objective reporting on the issues that matter to them.

Contact the editorial desk ›