A family in Oulu has been hit hard by a massive electricity bill of 1,600 euros for the month of January, attributed to their over 100-year-old wooden house and recent extreme cold temperatures. Pasi Niemi and Neea Peurakoski, residents of an old log house in Pikisaari, expressed their concerns over this significant expense, which marks the highest electricity bill they have received to date. They currently maintain a fixed-rate energy contract which, according to Niemi, turned out to be advantageous as the peak prices had already started to decline when their old contract expired.

The family resides in a spacious over 240-square meter log house, and their fixed electricity rate currently stands at about 8 cents per kWh. Niemi reflected on their previous bills during colder months, which had hovered around 900 euros in past winters, indicating that the prolonged cold snap has taken a notable toll on their energy consumption this season. Despite the increase, they consider themselves fortunate to have escaped even higher costs that could have resulted from a variable rate plan that ties directly to market prices.

As temperatures continue to plunge, the implications of such high energy bills raise concerns for many households, particularly those living in older, less energy-efficient homes. This situation highlights broader issues in energy pricing and consumption habits in Finland as families grapple with the economic impact of rising electricity costs paired with severe winter conditions, making it a daunting winter for many households across the country.