Data from the power system

The Nordic region is a single electricity market divided into different price areas (e.g. NO1). The map shows how much power is being exchanged between the different price areas (spot market areas) right now.

The price areas are market areas for reporting purchases and sales of power on the power exchange. This means that bidding for purchases and sales of power shall take place specifically for each spot market area for every hour during the next 24 hours. The price is thus not regulated by the authorities, but is a result of the supply and demand for power for this market area which is reported to the power exchange.

Consequently. the power and market situation in each area will be determined by which direction power is flowing between the spot market areas. Power generators will normally set higher prices for their power in areas with a shortage of energy than generators in areas with a better balance of energy.

This will, in turn, lead to lower power generation in areas with a shortage of energy, while areas with a better balance of energy will produce more than the consumption within their own area. Power will thus flow from low-price areas to high-price areas.

This will also result in full utilisation of transmission capacity when there is a need to transmit power from one area to another. Higher prices in areas with a shortage of energy will also contribute toward reducing consumption. This division into price areas is intended to contribute toward a reduction in the risk of local or regional power deficits.

More statistics can be acquired from Nord Pool Spot, which is the Nordic power exchange.

Grid operations are a balancing act. Electricity is generated the moment it is consumed. Consequently, it is Statnett’s task to maintain a balance between production and consumption. The balance can be seen from the grid frequency, which indicates the rotational speed of the power units in the Nordic power system. The system is in balance at 50 Hz. Just as in a car engine, increased load will reduce the rotational speed. If the load in the power system increases, the frequency will decrease, and Statnett must ask the generators to increase their production. The normal operating range in the Nordic power system has been defined as between 49.90 and 50.10 Hz. Periods with operations outside this range are referred to as frequency deviations.

Minor deviations in our data may occur.

Import and export show the total net power exchange for Norway per hour. The exchange varies from hour to hour and from season to season. The hydroelectric-based Norwegian power system is highly flexible, as power generators have the option to save water for the best-paid periods. The price of electricity varies according to demand over a 24-hour period, with the lowest prices during the night and at weekends, and higher prices during the day.

By shutting down the hydroelectric power plants at night and instead use the water during high-price periods in the daytime, the use of the water resources is optimised. During such shutdowns, we import power to cover consumption in Norway. This power comes mainly from thermal power plants and wind farms on the Continent. These power sources are not very flexible, and can consequently offer power at low prices during off-peak periods. By alternating between export in the daytime and import at night, we optimise the use of resources both in Norway and for our trading partners on the Continent, resulting in a socio-economic benefit on both sides of the border.

All measurements are on an hourly basis. For long-term periods it may be better choose another time resolution, such as Weekly or Monthly. The table on the left will then show the highest (export) and lowest (import) measuring point for the relevant time period. The table will also show the total export and import respectively for the period, as well as net power exchange.

Minor deviations in our data may occur.

Each week, the NVE prepares an overview of the water levels in each reservoir in Norway. Aggregated data per spot market area and for the country as a whole are normally released on Wednesday afternoons. The available history for this data series extends as far back as 1993. As regards the individual spot market areas, the statistics are available within the timeframe of the area division in question.

The water levels vary over the course of the year, peaking in late autumn and with the lowest levels in April/May. If all the reservoirs had been 100% full, this would correspond to 82 TWh.

This is Statnett's assessment of the power situation in various areas of Norway in this season. The assessment is based on statistical data regarding inflow to reservoirs in the various regions, reservoir fill rate, anticipated consumption and import capacity.

Nearly all electricity generated in Norway comes from hydropower plants. The hydropower plants' opportunities to produce power largely vary according to the level of precipitation from year to year. During years of heavy precipitation, we may generate far more than what is consumed in Norway, while we may depend on imports from neighbouring countries during dry years.