Dagens industri: Godel Warns of High Risk in Fixed Electricity Contracts

Godel, an electricity provider, is advising consumers to exercise caution regarding the "risk premiums" embedded in fixed-price electricity contracts offered by major suppliers such as Vattenfall, Fortum, and Eon. Godel suggests that variable-rate contracts generally present a more favorable option for consumers. Maria Erdmann, CEO of Godel, notes that consumers frequently believe they are securing low summer rates when entering fixed-price contracts in the autumn. However, electricity providers calculate these fixed rates based on anticipated future electricity costs, resulting in a substantial risk premium to guarantee a consistent price. Godel, which does not offer fixed-price agreements, recently analyzed one-year fixed-price contracts from leading Swedish electricity companies in late September. The analysis revealed that for a homeowner with an annual consumption of 20,000 kWh, the risk premium ranges from 6,600 to 7,600 SEK. This variation is attributed to location within Sweden's four electricity price zones. The premium is determined by calculating the difference between the fixed contract price and futures market prices for the subsequent 12 months, factoring in standard fees and VAT. The study indicates that homeowners in southern Sweden face the largest financial burden for the perceived security of fixed-price contracts. Vattenfall concedes that heightened electricity price volatility has contributed to the increased cost of fixed-price contracts. Nevertheless, the company asserts that these agreements remain appropriate for customers who prioritize security and predictability in their energy expenses, particularly as the winter season approaches.