Norgespris or strømstøtte - which is worth it in winter 2026/2027?

Are you wondering whether to choose the fixed Norgespris price before winter or stay with the automatic strømstøtte (electricity subsidy)? The differences between these solutions concern pricing, settlement methods, limits and the risk associated with market fluctuations.

In this article, we compare the rules applicable in 2026, show the break-even point and assess the situation in the NO1-NO5 price areas. We also explain why winter 2026/2027 must be considered in two separate periods.

All information is current as of 10 September 2026, and prices are stated **including 25% VAT (**unless we indicate a region covered by an exemption).

Winter 2026/2027 must be divided into two periods

A full comparison can currently only be made for the period until 31 December 2026. Rates for the next part of winter have not yet been published.

The current Norgespris selection expires on 31 December 2026. If you want to use this mechanism in 2027 as well, you must make a new, active selection. Taking no action means remaining with or returning to strømstøtte, provided that the given meter meets the programme conditions.

Futures contracts on the market indicated around 132.6 øre/kWh including VAT for Q4 2026 and 140 øre/kWh including VAT for Q1 2027 at the end of week 36 of 2026. This is a simple conversion of Nordic market quotations with 25% VAT added. Futures contracts show market expectations, but do not guarantee prices in a specific NO1-NO5 area.

How do Norgespris and strømstøtte work?

Norgespris is a state-backed electricity price protection scheme. You still need to have a regular agreement with your chosen electricity supplier. The clearest effect comes from combining Norgespris with a spot-price agreement.

Settlement takes place hourly:

• when the spot price is higher than Norgespris, the difference reduces the bill from the grid operator,
• when the spot price is lower than Norgespris, you pay the difference to the grid operator,
• in 2026, the cost of the electricity covered by the protection is 50 øre/kWh including VAT.

Strømstøtte works automatically. You do not need to apply if the meter is correctly registered as a household consumption point. For every hour with a spot price above 96.25 øre/kWh including VAT, the state covers 90% of the amount above this threshold.

In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, electricity used by households is exempt from VAT. Norgespris is 40 øre/kWh there, while the strømstøtte threshold is 77 øre/kWh. These are also final prices because VAT is not added.

Both systems apply to the energy price within a specified limit. They do not include the supplier's margin and fixed fees or grid charges. The standard electricity tax in 2026 is 8.91 øre/kWh including VAT. Its rate before VAT is 7.13 øre/kWh. Some households in the north are exempt from this tax. These elements increase the total bill, but generally do not change the comparison between Norgespris and strømstøtte.

Break-even point and differences between regions

With a spot-price agreement, consumption within the limit and excluding costs shared by both options, Norgespris costs 50 øre/kWh including VAT.

The cost after strømstøtte is as follows:

• up to 96.25 øre/kWh including VAT, you pay the full spot price,
• above this threshold, you pay 96.25 øre + 10% of the amount above 96.25 øre.

The break-even point in 2026 is 50 øre/kWh including VAT. In hours with a spot price above this level, Norgespris is more beneficial for the energy component itself. At a price below 50 øre/kWh including VAT, it is more cost-effective to stay with spot pricing and automatic strømstøtte.

For households exempt from VAT, the break-even point is 40 øre/kWh.

In monthly settlement, your actual consumption profile matters. If you use most of your electricity during expensive hours, fixed protection gains value. If you can move car charging, water heating and other energy-intensive activities to the cheapest hours, spot pricing may work out better.

Data from week 36 of 2026 show major regional differences. We converted figures for VAT-covered areas into prices including 25% VAT. In NO4, household electricity is generally exempt from VAT, so the final price remains the same as the market price.

For NO1, NO2 and NO5, current prices, low hydro reservoir levels and high futures contracts support choosing Norgespris for the end of 2026. In NO3, prices have also risen, while water reserves were clearly below the historical median.

NO4 requires particular caution. In August 2026, the average spot price there was only 16.52 øre/kWh. Since household electricity in this region is exempt from VAT, this is also the final price without tax added. At this level, a person using Norgespris pays the difference up to 40 øre/kWh. However, prices in NO4 can rise sharply during winter, so the summer result alone does not determine the entire season.

How should you make the decision?

Before choosing, check the history of hourly consumption and prices for your meter.

In VAT-exempt regions, compare the spot price with 40 øre/kWh, not 50 øre/kWh.

In 2026, Norgespris applies from the day it is ordered and binds the given metering point until 31 December 2026. You have 14 days to cancel. After this period, you cannot freely return to strømstøtte before the end of the term.

Norgespris is assigned to the meter, not to a person. When an apartment is sold or the tenant changes, the protection remains at the metering point until the end of the period. If you have multiple meters, you make a separate decision for each one.

For consumption exceeding 5,000 kWh per month, the excess is not protected under either system. It must be settled under the regular agreement with the supplier.

FAQ - frequently asked questions

Summary

• Until 31 December 2026, the break-even point is 50 øre/kWh including VAT or 40 øre/kWh in VAT-exempt regions. Above this price, Norgespris is cheaper for the energy component.
• In NO1, NO2, NO3 and NO5, Norgespris looks more beneficial for the end of 2026. In NO4, spot pricing may still win with low local prices.
• The decision should take into account the hourly consumption profile, the 5,000 kWh per month limit and the ability to move consumption to cheap hours.
• For the period from 1 January 2027, you need to wait for new rates to be published and make a new Norgespris selection.

If you need help choosing between Norgespris and strømstøtte, call us: +47 21 38 38 21. We will help you organise the most important information before making a decision.

Article author: Marcin - marcin@efirma.no