Residents alarmed as Kemijoki River water levels surge amid electricity price spikes in Finland

A time-lapse camera captured the dramatic rise in the water level of the Kemijoki River, coinciding with peaks in electricity market prices. Residents along the river, particularly Jorma Kiviniemi, have noted that the regulation of the river has become more rapid and intense in recent years, seemingly linked to fluctuations in electricity prices. Kiviniemi experienced a near-drowning incident during Midsummer when unexpected floodwaters overwhelmed his home shoreline; Kemijoki Oy stated their operations comply with license conditions but refrained from commenting on specific dangerous situations.

In July 2023, a serious accident related to hydropower regulation occurred in Rovaniemi, resulting in the death of a bulldozer operator who fell into the river. A time-lapse camera, mounted on a fence post, documented the river’s water movements from August to September, revealing that significant rises could occur within a few hours, especially when electricity prices peaked. Kiviniemi and other long-time observers noted an acceleration in regulatory flows that raises serious safety concerns.

Kiviniemi suggested that improved communication about increased water levels would help residents prepare for flooding events. Kemijoki Oy confirmed that they adjust river flows according to licensing conditions while aiming to keep recreational usage safe. However, they offered little detail on Kiviniemi’s incident or the broader ramifications of their regulatory practices.

Hydropower in Finland operates under increasingly rapid adjustments known as short-term regulation, responding to market price spikes. This has reportedly increased in Finland more than in other Nordic countries, raising concerns over the safety and recreational usability of the river. Additionally, a bulldozer accident cited as contributing to shoreline erosion underscores the risks of intensified hydropower regulation.