23.10.2025
Position paper: Elimination of tax support for electricity in information points weakens competitiveness
Shifting the taxation of information points from the lower electricity tax category II to the general category I will increase government revenues in the short term, but may at the same time weaken Finland's competitiveness. This takes place in an business environment where the global data economy is actively looking for new locations. information points can be used to build future infrastructure that creates jobs, speeds up RDI activities and strengthens energy and security of supply. For example, the The Regional Assembly of Finnish Technology Industries has stated: "If information points are not built in Finland, they will rise elsewhere and their future extensions will also go elsewhere". At the same time, the potential for developing ecosystems in cooperation with the highest added value for the national economy would be lost.
From an environmental and energy point of view, Finland is one of the most attractive and responsible investment destinations for information points in the world. Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu have a significant competitive advantage in the location of information points in the region: cool climate and low cooling costs, reliable electricity grid, logistical accessibility and excellent RDI and innovation potential. information point projects bring significant and long-lasting construction-stage jobs, permanent high-skill tasks and tax revenue to our counties. The investments will also create local subcontracting chains and strengthen the operations of energy companies. Our regions are already well underway to develop start-ups and large ecosystems. At worst, the abolition of tax support can transfer all energy-intensive industry projects to competing countries.
The abolition of tax support in cooperation without compensatory incentives is not worthwhile. If the tax on electricity in information points is shifted to the general tax category, an effectiveness-based model must be built in which the reduced tax on electricity is maintained for information points that utilise waste heat, participate in the demand response of the electricity system, and commit to zero-emission electricity and regional RDI cooperation.
Tax support for information points is not an “advantage”, but a tool to strengthen international competitiveness, security of supply and a sustainable energy system. If the decision is taken to abolish the tax subsidy, Finland risks losing more than it wins in terms of investments, jobs and export opportunities.
In our view, the solutions of the national data economy roadmap must be based on an overall assessment, not just a fiscal assessment.
Oulu and Kajaani 23.10.2025
Jussi Rämet Riikka Pirkkalainen
Region Mayor Region Mayor
Regional Assembly of Oulu Region Regional Assembly of Kainuu
