Power grid · KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
The role of the utility company - the lines, the metering and the network charge
You can choose an electricity retailer, but the network follows your home. Here you see who does what and how to read your tariff.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN ONE MINUTE
- Your network company is responsible for the transmission of electricity to the home.
- kWh describes how much electricity you use. kW describes how big the power is.
- Any power charge must be read in your own network company's current price list.
The network company where you live
The electricity grid connects the home to the electricity system. You sign a network agreement with the company responsible for the network at your address and cannot choose another network company in the same way as you choose an electricity retailer. The network charges are subject to regulation and supervision.
The electricity network agreement and the electricity trade agreement thus fulfill different functions. Keep them separate even if the company names are similar or if you receive a joint invoice. Then it will be easier to decide where your question should be sent.
Source material: Energy Market Agency: the electricity grid agreement ↗ · Ei: questions for you as an electricity consumer ↗
What are you paying for?
Your tariff describes how the network charge is calculated. It may include fixed parts and costs that depend on use. Main fuse, the amount of electricity transferred and how much electricity you use at the same time can be important.
Ask for the price list that applies to your subscription and date. An example from the neighbor's network company is not sufficient as a basis for your home. Mark each charge line, its unit and whether it is fixed or affected by your usage.
Source material: Energy Market Agency: the electricity grid agreement ↗
Quantity and concurrency are different things
If an appliance uses 2 kW for three hours, the energy is 6 kWh. Two such devices simultaneously provide 4 kW for three hours and together use 12 kWh. If they are instead run consecutively for six hours, the energy will still be 12 kWh, but the peak power will be lower.
This is a simplified calculation example. Your real home has more loads and a network tariff can use average values over certain intervals. Therefore, you need the tariff's calculation rules to translate a lower peak into kroner.
Source material: Ei: questions and answers about power charges ↗
What about power charges now?
Ei states that the regulations that required implementation by all network companies no later than January 1, 2027 were repealed in June 2026. There is thus no longer such a general implementation requirement. However, performance fees are not prohibited and an existing fee does not disappear automatically.
Therefore, check what your network company actually applies. Ask which times are counted, how metrics are used and how the monthly billing basis is developed. Adjust the steering according to the answer, not according to an older general advice about 2027.
Source material: Ei: power charges - current rules ↗
That way you will get a clearer answer
When something is not correct, write which period and invoice line it applies to. Ask for the basis used for the calculation and ask the network company to show an example with your values.
A useful question is: "Which measuring intervals gave my charged power this month?" It makes it easier to follow the calculation than a general question about why the network is expensive.
- Network charge, meter readings and connection: start with the network company.
- Agreement and price for purchased electricity: start with the electricity retailer.
Source material: Energy Market Agency: the electricity grid agreement ↗
See the difference between kW and kWh.
Test a device's power and how long it lasts.
Immerse Yourself
FAQ.
Can a new electricity contract lower the grid fee?
A supplier change does not change the network company or its tariff. Changed use may affect some moving parts, but this must be assessed with your price list.
Should everyone pay performance fee from 2027?
No, not according to the previous general requirement. Ei states that that regulation was repealed in June 2026. Your network company may still have an impact fee.
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO EVERYDAY
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Sources and further reading.
The material was checked on 26 October 2026. Follow the links for current terms and conditions.