Sundsvall

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Utilities and Infrastructure

Information on electricity, water, waste management, and internet services for everyday living.

Sections

1. Electricity

Providers:

Electricity in Sundsvall is deregulated, meaning residents can choose their electricity supplier. The main grid operator in the region is E.ON, but you can purchase electricity from various suppliers such as:

  • Vattenfall
  • Fortum
  • Göta Energi
  • Tibber

Costs:

  • Electricity prices in Sweden are typically divided into two parts: a fixed grid fee (paid to the grid operator) and a variable cost based on consumption (paid to the supplier).
  • Average cost: 1.5–2.5 SEK per kWh (as of 2023), depending on the supplier and market fluctuations.
  • Monthly grid fees: Around 300–500 SEK.

How to Set Up:

  1. Contact the grid operator (E.ON) to activate your connection if you’re moving into a new property.
  2. Choose an electricity supplier and sign a contract. You can compare prices and plans on websites like elpriskollen.se (run by the Swedish Energy Agency).
  3. Provide your personal details, address, and move-in date to the supplier.

Local Considerations:

  • Many suppliers offer "green electricity" plans sourced from renewable energy like wind or hydro. These are popular in Sweden.
  • Be mindful of seasonal variations in electricity costs, as prices can rise during winter due to higher demand.

2. Water Supply

Provider:

The municipal water supply in Sundsvall is managed by MittSverige Vatten & Avfall.

Costs:

  • Water is billed based on consumption, with an average cost of 20–30 SEK per cubic meter.
  • Fixed annual fees for water and sewage services range from 2,000–4,000 SEK, depending on the property type.

How to Set Up:

  1. Water services are typically included in rental agreements for apartments. For homeowners, contact MittSverige Vatten & Avfall to register your property.
  2. Provide your address and move-in date to ensure billing is set up correctly.

Local Considerations:

  • Tap water in Sundsvall is of excellent quality and safe to drink.
  • Water meters are installed in most properties, and you’ll be billed based on actual usage.

3. Waste Management

Provider:

Waste collection and recycling services are also managed by MittSverige Vatten & Avfall.

Costs:

  • Waste management fees depend on the size of your waste bin and the frequency of collection. Typical costs range from 1,500–3,000 SEK per year.
  • Recycling services are included in the waste management fee.

How to Set Up:

  1. Waste collection is usually arranged by landlords for apartment dwellers. Homeowners need to contact MittSverige Vatten & Avfall to set up a waste collection plan.
  2. You’ll need to choose a bin size and collection frequency (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly).

Local Considerations:

  • Sweden has a strong recycling culture. Sundsvall has several recycling stations (återvinningscentraler) where you can drop off sorted waste like glass, paper, metal, and electronics.
  • Food waste is often composted, and many households are provided with separate bins for organic waste.

4. Internet Services

Providers:

Sundsvall has excellent internet infrastructure, with widespread access to high-speed fiber-optic connections. Major providers include:

  • Telia
  • Com Hem (now part of Tele2)
  • Bahnhof
  • Telenor

Costs:

  • Fiber-optic internet: 300–600 SEK per month for speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
  • Bundled packages (internet + TV + phone) are available for 500–1,000 SEK per month.

How to Set Up:

  1. Check with your landlord or property manager to see if your building is already connected to a fiber network.
  2. Choose a provider and sign a contract. You’ll need to provide your address and personal details.
  3. Installation is often free if the property is already connected to the fiber network.

Local Considerations:

  • Public Wi-Fi is available in many parts of Sundsvall, including libraries and cafes.
  • If you’re staying temporarily, mobile broadband (via a SIM card) is a flexible option.

5. Public Transportation

Provider:

Public transportation in Sundsvall is managed by Din Tur, which operates buses and regional trains.

Costs:

  • Single bus ticket: 30–40 SEK (cheaper with a travel card).
  • Monthly pass: 600–800 SEK, depending on the zones covered.
  • Discounts are available for students, seniors, and children.

How to Use:

  1. Purchase a Din Tur travel card online, at ticket machines, or at Sundsvall’s central station.
  2. Download the Din Tur app for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.
  3. Validate your ticket when boarding the bus.

Local Considerations:

  • Sundsvall is a bike-friendly city, with many dedicated bike paths. Consider cycling as an alternative to public transport.
  • Regional trains connect Sundsvall to nearby cities like Härnösand and Östersund.

6. Heating

Provider:

District heating is common in Sundsvall and is provided by Sundsvall Energi.

Costs:

  • District heating is billed based on consumption, with an average cost of 0.80–1.20 SEK per kWh.
  • Monthly costs for an average apartment: 500–1,000 SEK.

How to Set Up:

  1. District heating is typically included in rental agreements. For homeowners, contact Sundsvall Energi to set up a connection.
  2. Provide your address and move-in date.

Local Considerations:

  • District heating is an environmentally friendly option, as it often uses waste heat from industrial processes.

7. Other Utilities

Postal Services:

  • Managed by PostNord. You can send and receive mail at local post offices or service points in grocery stores.
  • Costs: Domestic letters start at 13 SEK.

Mobile Phone Services:

  • Major providers include Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and Tre.
  • Monthly plans: 200–500 SEK, depending on data and call allowances.

General Tips for Newcomers:

  1. Bank Account: To pay utility bills, you’ll need a Swedish bank account. Popular banks include Swedbank, SEB, and Nordea.
  2. Personnummer: A Swedish personal identity number is essential for setting up most services. Apply for one through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
  3. Language: While most service providers offer support in English, learning basic Swedish phrases can be helpful.

By understanding these utilities and infrastructure services, you’ll be well-prepared to settle into life in Sundsvall, Sweden!