The power market in Norway - in brief
Norway was one of the first countries in Europe to deregulate it's electricity market, with the adoption of the Energy Act in 1991.
Here's a brief summary of how the deregulated power market functions with reference to where to find additional information on the topic.
The Energy Act
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Norway's 1991 Energy Act liberalizes electric power market
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Legislative intent:
- Reduce electric power prices for consumers and businesses
- Remove price-setting from the hands of municipal councils
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Heavy industry an other businesses were initial beneficiaries
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Little residential-market competition prior to 1996.
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Market fully opened to households in 1997, customers could change power supplier without incurring any charges.
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Under the Act, the authorities required network owners to make transmission capacity available to others under third-party agreements (TPAs) and to offer equal (non-discriminatory) tariffs to electricity suppliers and end users.
More information
Energy Norway is a trade organisation for about 270 generators, suppliers, distributors and contractors in Norway.
You'll find thorough information in English on the Energy Act, the power market and network regulations on Energy Norway's website.
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) is subordinated to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, and is responsible for the administration of Norway´s water and energy resources.
The NVE is carrying out regulations that shall lay the basis for an efficient electricity market and control of network operations as a natural monopoly. The regulations shall ensure that electricity is transmitted at the right delivery quality and price, and that the network is used and developed in a safe and rational way for society. NVE's website
