Electricity in Norway can involve two companies. The local grid company, nettselskap, owns the infrastructure that carries power to the home. The electricity supplier, strømleverandør, buys the power sold to you.
You cannot choose the grid company for the address. You can choose the electricity supplier and contract. Depending on billing arrangements, the costs may appear on one combined invoice or two separate invoices.
Sources: NVE and RME — your electricity bill; NVE and RME — your electricity contract; NVE and RME — supply obligation; Forbrukerrådet — choosing an electricity contract.
First check what the tenancy includes
If you rent, read the contract before signing a power agreement. Electricity or heating may be included, separately measured or paid as an agreed advance with later settlement. Ask who is registered for the meter point and which date responsibility changes.
Take a meter reading or photograph at handover even when the home has a smart meter. It provides a useful record of the changeover date.
The total cost has several parts
The electricity supplier charges for the energy used, plus any markup and monthly fee in the chosen contract. The grid company charges nettleie for transporting electricity through the network. Taxes and public charges are also part of the total.
That is why an advertised price per kilowatt hour is not the final bill. Compare the markup, fixed monthly amount, price guarantee, binding period and extra products as well as the energy price.
Spot, fixed and variable contracts are different
A spot price contract follows the wholesale market price, normally hour by hour, with the supplier’s markup and fee added. A fixed price contract sets the energy price for an agreed period but may include a binding term and cost for leaving early.
Variable price contracts are set by the supplier and change after notice. The Consumer Council generally recommends comparing good spot and fixed price products carefully and warns that variable contracts are often expensive.
Use the official comparison service at strømpris.no and read the terms, not only the headline price.
Do not remain on temporary supply by accident
The grid company must keep power available when a household has no ordinary supplier. This leveringsplikt is a temporary safety net, not a competitive long term contract, and its regulated markup becomes higher after the first six weeks.
NVE advises arranging a new supplier quickly. If a move is not reported to a supplier within 30 working days, the address can end up on supply obligation.
When moving out, an electricity contract can be terminated with 14 days’ notice, including a fixed price contract, under the standard moving rule described by NVE. Tell the supplier the move date and new address rather than assuming the landlord will close it.
Public support schemes can change
Norway has used electricity support and fixed price arrangements, but eligibility, prices and end dates are policy choices. Check NVE’s current household information when you move. A state arrangement does not normally remove the supplier’s markup, grid charges or taxes.
For a full housing budget, combine the expected energy cost with rent and deposit. The Norwegian rental guide explains what the housing contract should say.