Supervison of network companies in the electricity and natural gas markets

The Energy Market Inspectorate ensures that the network companies comply with the Electricity Act and Natural Gas Act. Among other things this means that we supervise network tariffs and grant licences, known as network concessions, for the construction and use of power lines and gas pipelines.

Efficient supervision of network operations is essential in order to ensure that the network tariffs are reasonable and that no parties in the market are discriminated. Moreover an efficient supervision strengthens consumer confidence with regard to the functioning of the market.

Network business is a regulated monopoly. The network companies are of considerable significance to the competitive market as they own and manage the networks. They are responsible for the functioning of the essential infrastructure. In addition the network companies are important players in the chain of communications when there is a change of electricity or natural gas supplier.

Market monitoring

The Energy Markets Inspectorate has an overall responsibility for making sure that the network-based energy markets function well. We also have an operational role as expert authority with regard to electricity trading matters.

We monitor and analyse developments in the electricity, natural gas and district heating markets. When needed, we suggest changes in the regulatory framework to facilitate market development. Our aim is for Sweden to have a secure energy supply at competitive prices.

Consumer information

A central task of the Energy Markets Inspectorate is to create stable conditions for consumers and small and medium-sized companies on the electricity and natural gas markets. Active customers are essential for efficient markets.

Our information activities help strengthen the position of customers in the electricity, natural gas and district heating markets. The information is addressed to companies, energy consultants, associations, unions and consumers.

An additional way in which the Energy Markets Inspectorate helps to improve the position of customers in the electricity market is by cooperating with the Swedish Consumer Agency and the trade association Swedenergy in running the Swedish Consumer Electricity Advice Bureau. The Bureau has an active role in informing the public on such matters as the laws and other rules that exist and how these are normally applied by companies on the electricity market.

International collaboration

The Energy Markets Inspectorate is responsible, in collaboration with other national regulatory authorities, for following and promoting the development of the European electricity and natural gas markets. We are also responsible for working for the creation of equal conditions in the internal EU market for electricity and natural gas.

Through the Energy Markets Inspectorate, Sweden has both a clear obligation and a distinct position in both the Nordic and the EU collaboration. The Inspectorate takes part in international work in NordREG, CEER and ERGEG, all of which are cooperative organizations for European regulatory authorities in the energy field.

The new electricity and gas market directives have created new tasks for the national regulatory authorities. These include an increase in the Inspectorate’s reporting to the EU with regard to monitoring of the electricity and the natural gas markets.