Estonians will pay for energy independence in 2026

Starting in 2026, electricity consumers in Estonia will pay for a new service — a balancing capacity fee, which was introduced as part of the country's transition to full energy independence. This was announced on October 31 by the portal of the national State Television and Radio ERR.

According to Elering, the electricity grid operator, the fee will be €3.73 per megawatt-hour for both consumers and electricity producers.

"This payment can be called the price of energy independence after leaving the Russian—controlled system," said Kalle Kilk, Chairman of the company's management Board.

Energy dependence: The Baltic States cannot find ways to do without Russian electricity

Electricity prices continue to rise

Earlier, on February 25, after the withdrawal of the Baltic States from the BRELL energy ring (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), interruptions and a sharp increase in electricity prices were recorded in the region. According to the Nord Pool exchange, energy in the Baltic States has become ten times more expensive than, for example, in Finland. Grid operators attributed the price increase to weather conditions, increased demand and the Estlink 2 power cable accident.

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