Electricity shortages, food shortages and water shortages

 

Water shortage Sweden is heading for a shortage winter 

 

Of: 

 

Emma Forsberg 

 

Published: Less than 2 hours ago 

 

Updated: Less than 1 hour ago 

 

NEWS 

 

The electricity can be turned off, the water is running out and no Swedish tomatoes. 

 

That is what the Swedes are facing this winter - combined with a thinner wallet. 

 

- The more expensive food box is the hardest to get away from, says SEB's private economist Américo Fernández. 

 

Climate change and the sanctions against Russia are major factors in why Sweden now risks a serious winter of shortages in several areas. 

 

Including water. 

 

In recent years, climate changes with hot summers, less snow in the winters and less snowmelt have meant that the groundwater has not been built up until the winter, explains Pär Dalhielm, CEO of Svenskt Vatten. 

 

- We are a little worried. If there are no big changes with more precipitation or a lot of snow, then we will have built up even more shortages for next year, says Dalhielm. 

 

Which says that the consequences may present society with difficult choices: 

 

- Who has the right to withdraw water? If we end up in a shortage situation, that there is not enough. 

This can result in having to prioritize. This hospital is a little more important than this industry, for example. 

 

A winter in the dark 

 

We are not only facing a winter with a water shortage. As a result of the stop at Ringhals 4 being extended to 31 January next year, the risk of power shortages in the Swedish electricity grid this winter increases further. 

 

 

The electricity may be turned off this winter and electricity prices will likely rise significantly. Photo: EXPONERA / TT  

 

For the first time in Sweden, it may now be required that the electricity be turned off for shorter periods. 

 

- What we see is that when we most need to import electricity, it may not be available. We have therefore gone from a situation where we have assessed that the risk of lack of effect has gone from low to real risk. This means that we may be forced to disconnect electricity users this winter, says Erik Ek, strategic operations manager at Svenska kraftnät in a press release.(i ett pressmeddelande.)

 

"No Swedish tomatoes and cucumbers" 

 

And lack of electricity can cause rings on the water. 

 

The country's farmers, for example, are some who would be greatly affected. 

 

 - If the electricity were to be turned off, it would have dramatic effects. For animal production, it becomes an animal care issue. So it should be included in what is classified as socially important if it becomes so, says Palle Borgström, chairman of the National Association of Farmers, LRF. 

 

In addition to electricity being cut off, the uncertain electricity prices in autumn and winter have also resulted in several producers in the greenhouse industry having decided to remain closed this winter. 

 

 - It is immediately noticeable that we will not have Swedish tomatoes and cucumbers, we will have to rely on imports, says Borgström.

 

"Spending spree"

 

 With higher electricity prices, food and fuel, many Swedes' wallets can also become thinner. SEB warns of a spending explosion. 

 

An average family with two children living in a villa will receive an increase of SEK 80,000 this year, compared to last year. However, where in the country you live can weigh in. 

 

- There is a big difference if you are a family with two children in southern Sweden or if you live in northern Sweden. It will be a bit more difficult in the south, says SEB's private economist Américo Fernández. 

 

Not everyone will go on all the spending sprees at the same time, says Fernández. But it's an entry that's hard to avoid. 

 

- The more expensive lunch box is the hardest to get away from. Students, pensioners and families with children, it will affect all levels of society. 

 

Advice to the public 

 

So what should the public think about in the face of the current shortage winter? 

 

Américo Fernández gives a, according to himself, not so uplifting advice. 

 

- Stress test your finances. Identify where you are most financially vulnerable. Is it variable mortgage interest, the electricity contract or perhaps just too much on the food bank? If you identify it, it is much easier to use the tools to tighten the wallet. 

 

The energy issue and the water issue go hand in hand, according to Pär Dalhielm. At night, there is less load on both energy and water production. 

 

 - Private individuals must take responsibility not to waste water. Wash at night, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and collect the rainwater. 

 

 When it comes to food, Palle Borgström believes that one should adapt to availability. 

 

- But it's good to have a buffer at home. Even the authorities have called for it.