Electricity prices have risen throughout the country.
But in the north, electricity is significantly cheaper compared to what it looks like in southern Sweden.
- There has been a significant difference in electricity prices in recent months, if you compare electricity area 2 (in which Västerbotten is located) with electricity area 4 (which is Sweden's southernmost electricity area), says Marcus Hedman who is area manager at Umeå Energy.
"Lucky that we live in Norrland"
But despite this, companies are strongly affected in the county.
- Last year, the November / December invoice was 22,000 and now it was almost 100,000. But it is lucky that we live in Norrland and not in the south, because they are probably hit even worse, says Viola Nygren, co-owner of a bakery and continues :
- In the end, it may be the case that you have to reduce the staff if it lasts, but at the moment it is not a disaster.
Think entrepreneurs should get support
The government has proposed reliefs of a maximum of SEK 2,000 per month for households affected by high electricity prices, but so far there is no similar proposal for entrepreneurs.
- You think that even entrepreneurs could get some support, especially small entrepreneurs, says Viola Nygren.