The Consumer Council of Norway has called for refunds for approximately 60,000 electricity customers who were subjected to inflated prices under variable agreements. These customers have reportedly overspent a total of 1.5 billion kroner due to companies locking in high prices. Fjordkraft, a company implicated in these agreements, has rejected the claim for repayment while the council has escalated the matter to regulatory authorities for investigation.

According to Mette Fossum, the newly appointed director of the Consumer Council, there is a significant responsibility on these companies for enriching themselves at the expense of less active customers. Typically, variable contracts would see adjustments in pricing monthly based on market conditions, but these prices have remained frozen. The situation has resulted in a stark financial impact, with affected customers paying an average of 25,000 kroner more than necessary between April 2024 and the end of 2025.

The Consumer Council plans to escalate its complaint against around 15 companies to both the Consumer Authority and the Competition Authority, emphasizing the need for accountability in the energy sector and protection for consumers from unfair pricing practices. This case not only reflects ongoing challenges in Norway’s energy market but also underscores the critical role of regulatory bodies in safeguarding consumer rights.