Helsingborg

💡

Utilities

General guide on electricity, water, internet, and other utility services in Helsingborg.

Sections

1. Electricity (El)

Electricity in Helsingborg is deregulated, meaning you can choose your electricity supplier (elbolag) while the local grid operator (E.ON in Helsingborg) handles the distribution.

Setting Up Electricity

  • Step 1: Contact E.ON (the grid operator) to register your address and ensure the connection is active.
  • Step 2: Choose an electricity supplier. Popular suppliers include Vattenfall, Fortum, and E.ON itself. Use comparison websites like Elpriskollen to find the best rates.
  • Step 3: Sign a contract with your chosen supplier. You can opt for a fixed or variable rate plan.

Costs

  • Monthly Costs: Around 1.5–2 SEK per kWh, depending on your supplier and plan.
  • Average Monthly Bill: For a small apartment, expect to pay 300–500 SEK/month. Larger homes may cost 800–1,500 SEK/month.

Payment Methods

  • Direct debit (autogiro), e-invoice (e-faktura), or manual bank transfers are common. Most suppliers offer online account management.

Tips

  • Consider energy-efficient appliances to reduce costs.
  • Some suppliers offer green energy options (grön el) for an eco-friendly choice.

2. Water (Vatten)

Water services in Helsingborg are managed by NSVA (Nordvästra Skånes Vatten och Avlopp), which provides clean and safe drinking water.

Setting Up Water Services

  • Water is typically included in your rent if you live in an apartment. For houses, the landlord or property owner usually handles the setup with NSVA.
  • If you need to set it up yourself, contact NSVA directly.

Costs

  • Water is billed based on consumption. The average cost is around 20–30 SEK per cubic meter.
  • For a small household, expect to pay 200–400 SEK/month.

Payment Methods

  • Bills are sent monthly or quarterly and can be paid via direct debit, e-invoice, or bank transfer.

Tips

  • Water in Helsingborg is of excellent quality and safe to drink straight from the tap.
  • Be mindful of water usage, as excessive consumption can increase costs.

3. Heating (Värme)

Helsingborg primarily uses district heating (fjärrvärme), which is an efficient and environmentally friendly system. The service is provided by Öresundskraft, the local energy company.

Setting Up Heating

  • In apartments, heating is usually included in the rent. For houses, you may need to set up an account with Öresundskraft.
  • Contact Öresundskraft to activate or transfer the service to your name.

Costs

  • Heating costs depend on the size of your home and insulation quality. Expect to pay:
    • Apartments: 300–600 SEK/month.
    • Houses: 1,000–2,000 SEK/month.

Payment Methods

  • Payments are typically made via direct debit, e-invoice, or bank transfer.

Tips

  • Ensure your home is well-insulated to reduce heating costs during the winter months.

4. Waste Management (Avfallshantering)

Waste management in Helsingborg is handled by NSR (Nordvästra Skånes Renhållnings AB). The city has an excellent recycling system, and residents are expected to sort their waste.

Setting Up Waste Services

  • Waste collection is usually included in your rent if you live in an apartment. For houses, you need to set up an account with NSR.
  • Contact NSR to choose a waste collection plan (e.g., bin size, frequency of collection).

Costs

  • Costs vary based on the size of your waste bin and collection frequency. Expect to pay:
    • Small households: 150–300 SEK/month.
    • Larger households: 300–500 SEK/month.

Payment Methods

  • Bills are sent monthly or quarterly and can be paid via direct debit, e-invoice, or bank transfer.

Tips

  • Helsingborg has a strong focus on recycling. Familiarize yourself with the local recycling stations (återvinningsstationer) and sort your waste into categories like paper, plastic, metal, and food waste.
  • Use the NSR app or website to find your nearest recycling station.

5. Internet and TV

Helsingborg has excellent internet infrastructure, with many areas offering fiber-optic connections. Popular providers include Telia, Com Hem (Tele2), and Bahnhof.

Setting Up Internet

  • Check with your landlord or housing association to see if internet is included in your rent.
  • If not, compare providers and packages online. Many providers offer bundled deals for internet, TV, and phone services.
  • Contact your chosen provider to set up the service. Installation may take 1–2 weeks.

Costs

  • Internet: 300–500 SEK/month for speeds of 100–250 Mbps.
  • TV: Basic packages start at 150–300 SEK/month. Bundled deals may cost 500–800 SEK/month.

Payment Methods

  • Payments are made via direct debit, e-invoice, or bank transfer.

Tips

  • If you’re staying short-term, look for providers offering month-to-month contracts.
  • Helsingborg has free public Wi-Fi in some areas, such as libraries and city centers.

6. Other Relevant Services

Phone Services

  • Mobile plans are offered by providers like Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and Hallon.
  • Costs: 100–300 SEK/month for basic plans with data, calls, and texts.

Public Transport (Skånetrafiken)

  • Helsingborg’s public transport system is efficient and includes buses, trains, and ferries.
  • Costs: A monthly pass for unlimited travel within Helsingborg costs around 600 SEK.

7. General Payment Methods for Utilities

  • Direct Debit (Autogiro): The most convenient option, where payments are automatically deducted from your bank account.
  • E-Invoice (E-Faktura): Receive and pay bills directly through your online banking system.
  • Manual Bank Transfer: You can pay bills manually via your bank’s app or website.
  • Swish: A popular mobile payment app in Sweden, accepted by some utility providers.

8. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language: Most utility providers offer customer service in English, but learning basic Swedish phrases can be helpful.
  • Bank Account: Open a Swedish bank account as soon as possible to simplify payments.
  • Personal Number (Personnummer): Having a Swedish personal number is essential for setting up most utilities.
  • Energy Efficiency: Helsingborg is an eco-conscious city. Consider using energy-efficient appliances and reducing waste to align with local sustainability practices.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities in Helsingborg, Sweden. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the respective service providers or visit their websites for more information.