Elbolaget

Elbolaget is a Swedish term that translates to "the electricity company" or "the electric company." It is commonly used to refer to any company that supplies electricity to consumers. In Sweden, the electricity market is deregulated, meaning that consumers are free to choose their electricity supplier from a variety of companies. These companies can be national or regional, and they offer different types of electricity, such as renewable energy sources or fossil fuel-based power.

Consumers typically enter into contracts with an Elbolaget for a specific period, often with options for fixed or variable pricing. The Elbolaget is responsible for purchasing electricity from producers and delivering it to the consumer's location, although the physical infrastructure for electricity distribution is usually managed by a separate network operator. Customers may also have the option to choose different "levels" of electricity, such as those generated from wind or hydro power, which can influence the cost.

The deregulation of the Swedish electricity market aims to promote competition and offer consumers more choice and potentially lower prices. Each Elbolaget operates under regulations set by Swedish authorities to ensure fair practices and the reliable supply of electricity. When referring to a specific company, Swedes would typically use the company's actual name, but "Elbolaget" serves as a general descriptor for any such entity.