Electricity Guide

The Norwegian Electricity System

How it Works

• You need two contracts for electricity in Norway:
  1. Grid contract (nettleie) – with your local grid company (no choice)
  2. Power contract (strømavtale) – with a power supplier (you choose)

Grid Contract

• Covers the cost of transporting electricity to your home
• You cannot choose your grid company – it depends on where you live
• Fixed monthly fee + usage fee

Power Contract

• Covers the cost of the electricity itself
• You can choose any supplier in Norway
• Compare prices at strompris.no

Types of Power Contracts

Spot Price

• Most common contract type
• Price changes every hour based on the market
• Usually cheapest over time
• Can be expensive during cold winters

Average Electricity Costs (2025)

• Typical household: 1,500–3,000 kr per month in winter
• Summer: 500–1,000 kr per month
• Norway uses a lot of electricity for heating – budget accordingly

Electricity Support Scheme (Strømstøtte)

How it Works

• The Norwegian government subsidises electricity costs when prices are high
• Support is calculated based on your consumption and the market price
• Applies to: Households using electricity for heating

How Much Do You Get?

• When the spot price exceeds 0.73 kr/kWh (before VAT), the government covers 90% of the excess cost
• Support is automatically deducted from your electricity bill
• You do not need to apply

Who Gets It?

• All households with a normal electricity contract
• Does not apply to cabins or secondary residences in most cases

Example

• If the price is 2.00 kr/kWh and the threshold is 0.73 kr/kWh:
• Excess: 1.27 kr/kWh
• Government covers: 90% of 1.27 kr = 1.14 kr/kWh
• You pay: 0.73 + 0.13 = 0.86 kr/kWh

Getting Electricity in Your New Home

Steps

1. Contact a power supplier and sign a contract
2. Your grid contract is set up automatically when you register your address
3. You will receive a meter reading request

If You Do Nothing

• You will be put on a default contract (standard variable price)
• This is usually more expensive – switch to spot price as soon as possible

Saving on Electricity

Practical Tips

• Set heating to 19–20°C (not higher)
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
• Heat pump (varmepumpe): Reduces electricity use by 50–70% for heating
• Wash clothes at 30–40°C
• Take shorter showers

Heat Pumps

• Very common in Norway
• Upfront cost: 10,000–20,000 kr installed
• Pays for itself in 2–4 years through savings
• Check if your landlord has one before buying

Common Terms