If you are new to Norway, you’ll soon need to set up your electricity subscription. Norway’s electricity system is highly reliable, and with a well-functioning market, you have many choices when it comes to selecting an electricity provider. This guide will explain how to find an electricity provider, how to pay your bills, what you need to know about additional charges, and the government support available for electricity costs.

Choosing an Electricity Provider

In Norway, the electricity market is deregulated, meaning you can choose from a variety of electricity providers. These providers offer different pricing plans, contracts, and customer service options. However, you cannot choose your electricity network operator (the company responsible for maintaining the grid); this is determined by your location. Electricity prices can differ depending on where you live. This is because the country is divided into different regions, each served by a separate grid operator, and the cost of delivering electricity can vary from one area to another. As a result, people living in different parts of Norway will see variations in the price they pay for electricity, even though the actual cost of generating it is the same across the country. Especially in the north of Norway, the price of electricity is much cheaper than in the south or east.

To find a provider, you can use comparison websites like Strøm or Elskling to compare electricity prices, terms, and customer ratings. These websites allow you to filter providers based on your location and offer helpful details on the cost and contract options.

Providers offer various types of contracts, such as fixed price, variable price, or spot price. A fixed price means your electricity cost remains the same for a set period, while a spot price fluctuates based on market conditions. Most providers stopped offering fixed-price contracts after prices increased in 2022. Contracts and bills are usually in Norwegian, but many providers offer English-language customer support.

Once you’ve chosen a provider, you can sign up online or over the phone. You’ll need to provide personal details, such as your address and Norwegian Personal Number (P-number).

Understanding the Bill: Grid Fee and Extra Charges

Electricity bills in Norway are made up of two main components: the cost of electricity itself and the charges for using the electricity grid (called nettleie).

Electricity Cost is the price you pay for the actual electricity you consume. It varies based on the type of contract you choose, whether it’s a fixed price, a variable rate, or a spot price.

Grid Fee (Nettleie) is the fee you pay for using the electricity grid. This is an essential part of the electricity system, as it covers the costs of maintaining the infrastructure, like power lines and transformers, that ensures electricity reaches your home. The nettleie fee is set by your local grid operator, varies by region, and is often calculated based on your electricity consumption (in kilowatt-hours, kWh). It may also be influenced by how much electricity you use at peak times, as the grid needs to handle higher demand during these moments. So, the more energy you use, the higher your nettleie bill will be. It is important to know that the monthly grid fee can even be higher than the payment for the electricity consumption itself.

So, while your electricity provider sets the price for the electricity you use, nettleie is a separate charge for using the grid and is determined by the local network operator.

Electricity Support from the Government (Strømstøtte)

In response to rising electricity prices, especially in the winter months, the Norwegian government introduced a program in 2021, called strømstøtte, to help reduce the financial burden on households.

Strømstøtte is a government subsidy designed to help residents pay for their electricity. The program is primarily aimed at easing the cost of electricity when prices are particularly high, which can happen during cold winter months or when electricity prices are influenced by high demand or lower availability from hydroelectric power stations.

The government covers a portion of the electricity bill when the price exceeds a certain threshold. The support is typically calculated based on your electricity consumption and the market price at the time.

Since 2025, when the spot price in individual hours exceeds 75 øre/kWh excluding VAT, the electricity subsidy will cover 90 percent of the price above this level. Households will receive support for electricity consumption of up to 5,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month per measuring point. The scheme is administered through the household’s local grid company and is applied automatically as a deduction on the invoice.

Strømstøtte is available to all residents in Norway, regardless of nationality, as long as they are responsible for paying the electricity bill in their home.

Paying Your Electricity Bill

In Norway, the process of paying your electricity bill is straightforward. You’ll typically receive your electricity bill once a month. In the beginning, you will usually receive a bill in the mail with bank account information to transfer the money. Typically, a so-called KID number (customer identification number) is used to allocate the payment to the customer. After your first payment, you might be asked in your bank account if you want to choose online payments through your bank’s mobile app for future payments. Autogiro (automatic payment system, where payments are deducted directly from your bank account each month), AvtaleGiro, or Efaktura are examples of these options. If you agree, you will be informed about the next bill in your bank account, and automatic payment up to a specific amount can be set for the payment.

It is also common to receive your bill via email, so you’ll need to make sure that your provider has your correct contact details. Some providers may send you different bills for the electricity consumption and the nettleie part. Make sure you receive both, as some providers request your bank account number separately to refund you the governmental electricity support.

Electricity Meters

In many cases, your provider will monitor your energy usage remotely, but some areas may still require a manual reading of your electricity meter. Make sure to report your consumption if needed, especially if you’re moving into a new home. It is common for providers to send an SMS once a year informing you to report your usage if they don’t have an automatic system for it.

Navigating the Norwegian electricity system is simple once you understand the key components: choosing a provider, paying for your consumption, understanding the grid fee, and taking advantage of the electricity support when available. Make sure to compare providers and plans, carefully review your bills, and keep track of your energy usage to avoid any unexpected charges.