Direktavtal

Direktavtal is a type of electricity contract in Sweden where a customer negotiates directly with a producer or trader for the purchase of electricity, rather than buying through a conventional retail electricity supplier. Direktavtal are most common among large industrial or commercial customers who want to tailor price, volume and delivery terms directly with the counterparty. The physical delivery of electricity still occurs via the electricity grid, and the grid company remains responsible for transmission, distribution, metering and reliability.

Differences from standard elavtal: In a typical retail electricity agreement, a consumer signs with a supplier who handles purchasing, invoicing and balance management on behalf of the customer. With a direktavtal, the energy purchase is bilateral between the customer and the producer or trader, while the grid and settlement framework operate as usual. Pricing can be fixed, variable, or indexed to a market price, and contract terms specify volume, delivery point, duration, and credit requirements. Settlement of energy can occur through the Nordic power market (Nord Pool) or via bilateral arrangements, depending on the setup.

Benefits and risks: Direktavtal offer potential cost advantages, enhanced price transparency, and the possibility to tailor terms to production schedules or sustainability goals. They also entail greater complexity and exposure to price and counterparty credit risk, requiring sophisticated risk management, credit facilities, and legal/commercial expertise.

Regulatory context: They exist within Sweden’s liberalized electricity market, overseen by the regulatory framework for energy markets. While direct contracts change who buys the energy, the grid operation, meter reading, and balancing obligations remain regulated through standard market mechanisms.

See also: elavtal, Nord Pool, Energimarknadsinspektionen.