Nooshi Dadgostar, the leader of the Left Party in Sweden, has asserted that high electricity prices are a direct consequence of the current government’s construction of electricity export cables. Dadgostar made the claim during an appearance on SVT’s 30 minuter program, stating, “Prices are rising because we are exporting all the electricity. We could have had almost free electricity in Sweden,” according to SVT Nyheter.
But, an investigation by SVT Verifierar reveals that the present government has only built one of Sweden’s 16 total electricity export cables. The majority of the infrastructure predates the current administration. This discrepancy highlights a debate over the impact of electricity exports on domestic prices.
Experts consulted by SVT suggest that electricity exports, particularly from southern Sweden, are a significant factor driving up prices. Although the cable constructed by the current government is located in the north, its impact on national pricing is less pronounced than those in the south. Bo Diczfalusy, a former electricity market investigator, explained that restricting cable access could temporarily lower prices, but cautioned against such a measure. “You can certainly keep the price down for periods by not allowing cables. But then no one would be able to afford to invest in new electricity production, and that would disadvantage the economy in the long run,” he stated to SVT.
The assertion by Dadgostar comes amid a broader discussion regarding energy policy and the balance between domestic affordability and international energy market integration. Recent analysis by SVT Nyheter points to increasing polarization in Swedish society, a trend that may be influencing the debate surrounding energy prices and government policy [3].
Separately, the Swedish government recently approved a ban on sex purchases conducted remotely [4]. This legislation, unrelated to the energy debate, underscores the government’s focus on addressing evolving societal challenges through legal frameworks.
As of February 14, 2026, the government has not responded to Dadgostar’s specific claims regarding the impact of export cables on electricity prices. No further government statements on the matter are currently scheduled.
