Nätbolagen

Nätbolagen is a term used in Sweden to refer to companies that own and operate the electricity grids, also known as transmission and distribution networks. These companies are responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure that delivers electricity from power plants to consumers. This includes power lines, substations, and transformers. Nätbolagen are typically regulated by the Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate (Ei), which sets rules for pricing and ensures a certain level of service quality. They are often natural monopolies within their geographical service areas, meaning it is not economically viable for multiple companies to operate competing networks. Therefore, their activities and pricing are subject to strict oversight to protect consumers. Consumers pay for the use of the grid through a separate fee on their electricity bill, in addition to the cost of the electricity itself, which is purchased from an electricity supplier. The primary role of nätbolagen is to ensure a reliable and safe supply of electricity, investing in network upgrades and maintenance to meet current and future demand.