Strømstøtte – How does the current electricity support system work?

What is Strømstøtte?

Strømstøtte is a state-financed subsidy that automatically reduces your electricity bill. It is based on the hourly market price (spot price) and applies to all private households in Norway.

If the average hourly price in your region exceeds 75 øre/kWh (excluding VAT), the government covers 90% of the amount above this threshold. Including VAT, the threshold is 93.75 øre/kWh.

Who receives the subsidy

The Strømstøtte subsidy:

• s granted to all private electricity customers in Norway (households),
• is automatically deducted on your grid (nettleie) invoice – no application is needed,
• applies to consumption up to 5000 kWh per month.

How does it work in practice?

Example:

• The average hourly price is 120 øre/kWh.
• The support threshold is 75 øre/kWh.
• The difference is 45 øre.
• The state covers 90% of that, i.e. 40.50 øre/kWh.
• Including 25% VAT, the subsidy becomes 50.63 øre/kWh.

The subsidy is automatically calculated and deducted by your grid company, lowering your monthly bill.

How long will Strømstøtte be in effect?

The Norwegian government has approved that the Strømstøtte subsidy scheme will remain in effect until the end of 2025, with the possibility of extension. A parallel implementation of the Norgespris system is planned from October 1, 2025 – at that point, customers will be able to choose which support model they want to use.

Key conditions of Strømstøtte:

• Applies only to private households – not businesses or commercial buildings.
• Maximum monthly supported consumption is 5000 kWh.
• The support is based on the hourly spot price in your pricing zone.
• It only applies to the variable part of the electricity price – not fixed fees, grid fees, or supplier markups.

Do I need to do anything to receive the subsidy?

No. Strømstøtte is automatically calculated by your local grid operator. If you have an active electricity contract and are a private customer, you receive the subsidy without any action required.

Does Strømstøtte apply everywhere?

Yes, but the size of the subsidy depends on your price zone. Norway is divided into five pricing zones, each with different electricity prices – and therefore different levels of support.

Examples:

• In Southern Norway (e.g. Oslo, Kristiansand), electricity prices are often higher, and so is the subsidy.
• In Northern Norway, prices are lower, so the subsidy may be smaller or even zero if the price is below the support threshold.

What happens after 1 October 2025?

From 1 October 2025, the government plans to introduce an alternative support scheme called Norgespris. It will run in parallel with Strømstøtte, and customers will be free to choose the model that suits them best.

Strømstøtte Summary:

• Available to all private customers.
• Automatically calculated – no application required.
• Covers 90% of the price above 75 øre/kWh.
• Applies to up to 5000 kWh per month.
• Applies across all of Norway.