Sundsvall

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Utilities

Details about setting up electricity, water, heating, and internet services in Sundsvall.

Sections

1. Electricity (El)

Electricity in Sweden is deregulated, meaning you’ll need to set up two contracts: one with a grid operator (nätavtal) and another with an electricity supplier (elhandelsavtal).

How to Set Up Electricity

  • Grid Operator: In Sundsvall, the local grid operator is E.ON. You must contact them to set up a grid connection for your home. This is non-negotiable as they manage the infrastructure in the area.
  • Electricity Supplier: You can choose from various electricity suppliers, such as Vattenfall, Fortum, or Greenely. Use comparison websites like elpriskollen.se to find the best rates and plans.
  • Steps:
    1. Contact E.ON to register your address for grid access.
    2. Choose an electricity supplier and sign a contract. You can opt for fixed or variable rates depending on your preference.

Costs

  • Electricity prices in Sweden vary depending on market conditions, but as of 2023:
    • Grid fee: Around 300–500 SEK/month.
    • Electricity usage: Approximately 1.5–2.5 SEK per kWh.
    • Average monthly cost for a small apartment: 500–800 SEK.
  • Tip: Consider energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce costs.

Payment

  • Bills are typically sent monthly or bi-monthly.
  • Payment can be made via direct debit (autogiro), online banking, or Swish (a popular mobile payment app in Sweden).

2. Water (Vatten)

Water services in Sundsvall are managed by the municipal company MittSverige Vatten & Avfall.

How to Set Up Water Services

  • If you’re renting, water is usually included in your rent. Confirm this with your landlord.
  • If you own a property, you’ll need to register with MittSverige Vatten & Avfall to set up your water account.

Costs

  • Water is charged based on usage, measured in cubic meters (m³).
  • Average cost: Around 20–30 SEK per m³.
  • For a small household, expect to pay approximately 200–400 SEK/month.

Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly or quarterly.
  • Payment methods include online banking, direct debit, or Swish.

Local Considerations

  • Tap water in Sundsvall is of excellent quality and safe to drink.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially during dry periods when the municipality may encourage conservation.

3. Heating (Värme)

Heating is essential in Sundsvall due to its cold winters. Most properties use district heating (fjärrvärme), which is an efficient and environmentally friendly system.

How to Set Up Heating

  • District heating is typically managed by Sundsvall Energi.
  • If you’re renting, heating is often included in your rent. Check with your landlord.
  • If you own a property, contact Sundsvall Energi to set up an account.

Costs

  • Heating costs depend on the size of your home and insulation quality.
  • Average monthly cost for a small apartment: 500–1,000 SEK.
  • District heating is generally more affordable than electric heating.

Payment

  • Bills are usually combined with electricity or water bills if you’re using Sundsvall Energi.
  • Payment options include online banking, direct debit, or Swish.

4. Waste Management (Avfallshantering)

Waste management in Sundsvall is also handled by MittSverige Vatten & Avfall. Sweden has an excellent recycling system, and you’ll be expected to sort your waste.

How to Set Up Waste Services

  • If you’re renting, waste management is typically included in your rent.
  • If you own a property, you’ll need to register with MittSverige Vatten & Avfall for waste collection services.

Costs

  • Waste collection fees depend on the size of your bin and the frequency of collection.
  • Average cost: 200–400 SEK/month.

Recycling

  • Recycling is mandatory in Sweden. You’ll need to separate:
    • Paper
    • Plastics
    • Glass (clear and colored)
    • Metal
    • Food waste
    • General waste
  • Recycling stations (återvinningsstationer) are located throughout Sundsvall.

Payment

  • Waste collection fees are billed monthly or quarterly.
  • Payment methods include online banking, direct debit, or Swish.

Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with the local recycling rules. Labels on bins at recycling stations are in Swedish, but they’re easy to understand with a little practice.

5. Internet and TV

Sweden has one of the fastest and most reliable internet infrastructures in the world. In Sundsvall, you’ll have access to fiber-optic broadband.

How to Set Up Internet

  • Check if your building is connected to the local fiber network. Most properties in Sundsvall are.
  • Choose an internet service provider (ISP). Popular options include Telia, Com Hem (Tele2), and Bahnhof.
  • Compare plans on websites like bredbandsval.se.

Costs

  • Internet: 300–600 SEK/month for speeds of 100–1,000 Mbps.
  • TV: Many ISPs offer bundled TV and internet packages for an additional cost (around 100–300 SEK/month).

Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly.
  • Payment options include online banking, direct debit, or Swish.

Tips

  • If you’re a heavy internet user, opt for a plan with at least 500 Mbps.
  • Many ISPs offer discounts for long-term contracts.

6. Other Utilities

Phone Services

  • Mobile plans in Sweden are affordable and reliable. Providers like Telia, Tele2, and Telenor offer prepaid and postpaid plans.
  • Costs: 100–300 SEK/month for unlimited calls, texts, and data.

Home Insurance (Hemförsäkring)

  • While not a utility, home insurance is essential in Sweden and often required by landlords.
  • Costs: 100–300 SEK/month.
  • Providers: Länsförsäkringar, IF, and Folksam.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language: Most utility providers have English-speaking customer service, but learning basic Swedish terms (e.g., el = electricity, vatten = water) can be helpful.
  2. Bank Account: Open a Swedish bank account as soon as possible to simplify bill payments.
  3. Personal Number (Personnummer): You’ll need a Swedish personal number to set up most utilities. Apply for this through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) upon arrival.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Sundsvall is committed to sustainability. Be mindful of energy and water usage to align with local values.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities in Sundsvall, Sweden. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!