The reading on the electricity meter in a block of flats on Helsinki's Liisankatu Street looks promising. The mild, snowless winter in the capital has saved residents ten percent of normal heating costs. Still, that's not much compared to what massive snowfall last winter cost them.
"Last winter cost this building 42,000 euros, an enormous amount of money," says Tom Siljamäki of the Westerståhle house managing agency. "For buildings in the city centre, this is because their roofs are shaped in a way that makes it difficult to clear snow."
The building's handyman works throughout the winter, whether there is snow or not. When there is snow to shovel, he gets extra pay. The same is true for city and state employees.
"The city is making some savings, but unfortunately not as much as one might think. We maintain a constant standby in case it suddenly snows," explains Osmo Torvinen of Helsinki's streets and parks department.
People employed by the city to drive snow ploughs and sand icy pavements are right now being paid to carry out street repairs.
Not much in the way of savings has been seen on highways or the national rail network, either. According to the Finnish Transport Agency, employees are spending their time on clean-up jobs.
It looks as if mild weather brings no real savings. However, it is certain that the cold and snow always bring massive costs.