Skellefteå Krafts vd menar att man idag har en god överblick över affären med konkursförvaltaren och har tagit höjd för detta, inte minst genom en depositon för fortsatt leverans.
Joachim Nordin is reserved about the company’s past dealings with Northvolt. He states that Skellefteå Kraft has assessed the risks of continuing the business relationship and denies that Northvolt had any significant outstanding debts prior to the bankruptcy. The energy company is currently in close contact with the bankruptcy administrator and has received advance payment for its services.
– You simply have to be honest and acknowledge that business always involves risk, and if the customer’s ability to pay is weak, then the risk increases. However, it’s easier to manage the risk if you are aware of it. And we certainly are in this instance, says Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft.
The company continues to provide services to the factory, but guarantees for the future must be arranged on an ongoing basis, according to the CEO. Regarding consumption, they decline to comment on the specific amounts of electricity or district heating being used.
During the chapter 11 proceedings last November, it was reported by SVT that Northvolt owed Skellefteå Kraft 61 million kronor. However, Nordin states that those debts have since been settled.
– I’m not sure I recognise those figures. We may have had an outstanding invoice from Northvolt at that time.
So, their previous debts have been paid?
– I prefer not to revisit the specifics of those past figures.
But you are currently being paid?
– We have received a deposit. We are also actively working to secure the long-term outlook.
Are we discussing a deposit for a week or a month?
– I would rather not disclose the exact details.
You have no immediate plans to cease providing services?
– It is in everyone’s interest that the bankruptcy administrator can maintain operations and that new owners are found. We have all seen in Norran that there are interested parties. Our situation is manageable. We have been aware of the risk of bankruptcy for a while.
Just to clarify, you disagree with the previous reports of unpaid invoices?
– It depends on the specific point in time the financial records are examined. There may have been payments in transit. Various figures have been mentioned. We have had outstanding invoices at times. However, it is challenging to operate a business without electricity and heating.
So, it might have been a priority invoice for Northvolt to pay?
– Yes, precisely, says Nordin.