The Swedish Competition Authority has released a report urging municipalities to evaluate the sales activities of publicly owned energy companies in the home charging market for electric vehicles. This analysis, covering the years 2021 to 2022, highlights the importance of fostering competition in this emerging sector as the shift towards electrification continues.

Director General Marie Östman stated that while there is no indication of unmet demand for home charging installations, the presence of municipally owned energy companies may be stifling competition. The report indicates that these companies have significant market shares, reaching up to 80% in some areas, which could hinder the entry of private installation companies.

The investigation also points out that the pricing practices of these municipal companies could disrupt local market competition. The use of indirect discounts and bundled services can lead to less transparent pricing, which the authority advises against. The report concludes that there is limited necessity for municipal actors in the home charging market and calls for a reassessment of their impact on competition.

Östman emphasizes the need for municipalities to ensure that their energy companies contribute positively to public interest goals without obstructing market competition. The authority aims to identify and address potential competition issues early in this rapidly evolving market.