The government is threatening to block power lines to neighboring countries if the European Commission proceeds with its proposal to access member states’ so-called congestion revenues. These fees are paid by Swedish electricity customers and, according to the government, the money belongs in Sweden.

The EU’s proposal means that 25 percent of member states’ income from congestion revenues would be used for investments in joint EU energy infrastructure. For Sweden, this risks resulting in multi-billion losses—something that has made the government go on the defensive.

“It is Swedish customers’ money, it belongs in Sweden and not in Brussels,” said Energy and Business Minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch (Christian Democrats) to the news agency TT.

“We will fight to ensure that these funds are not allowed to be taken by the EU.”

On Monday, EU energy ministers met in Brussels, and Ebba Busch struck a hard tone when the issue was discussed.

“I hope the coffee is strong, because I am here on a mission. In Swedish, we have an expression called ‘good girl’. But the good girl is about to turn bad,” said Busch.

She emphasized that Sweden has led ahead of other member states in following energy regulations, producing fossil-free electricity, and helping other countries through electricity exports.

“What kind of message does this send? It is completely unacceptable that countries that have led the way are now being punished.”

Threatens to Block Cables to Denmark

The government is open to taking all possible actions if the EU does not step back. They are prepared to review both the establishment of new power lines to other countries and the renewal of existing cables. She highlights in particular a cable to Denmark that may be affected by the planned measures.

“I think there will be consequences, and that is precisely the intention. You should not take Sweden’s goodwill and well-managed energy system for granted, and suddenly, in effect, steal Swedish consumers’ money without consequences,” she told TT.

Currently, Svenska kraftnät has collected about SEK 85 billion in congestion revenues, much of which is already reserved in a ten-year plan to expand and improve the Swedish power grid, including bilateral interconnections with other countries.