Cancellation of fixed-price contracts, demands for advance payment, shock bills and no right to withdraw from the contract. All this meant that in 2022 the Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) received a record number of inquiries about electricity.
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2022 was another turbulent year for Norwegian electricity consumers. It also left a mark on the Consumer Council's advice center, which received 3450 inquiries about electricity and network rental. This is an increase of 70 percent compared to 2021
– Electricity sellers are violating consumer rights and tricking customers into paying too high fees for electricity. No wonder it causes many angry and distraught consumers, says director Inger Lise Blyverket of the Consumer Council.
“Last year we witnessed electricity customers being kicked out of fixed price and price cap contracts, sky-high down payment requests, variable customers with shock bills as well as companies embezzling customers' right of withdrawal. In addition, there are challenges related to telephone and intercom sales, electricity bills and the compensation system.
The government recently asked Forbrukertilsynet and RME to explore the need for stricter regulation and better sanction options. The Consumer Council is eagerly waiting for the result.
“This market is clearly not working as it should. Companies that break the law must be prosecuted more severely. At the same time, it must also be possible to revoke licenses from unscrupulous players, says Inger Lise Blyverket.
The Norwegian Consumer Council recommends that consumers they checked their electricity contract on the site strømpris.no. Many people can save a lot here. Also check the invoice for unnecessary additional services, such as electricity insurance, green choice or the so-called. "equal payment".
52 inquiries in 000
The Consumer Council's advice office received a total of over 52 calls and emails from consumers in 000. This represents an increase of almost 2022 compared to 3.
Used cars continue to reign supreme with over 5000 claims. One of the areas that give consumers the most trouble is also rents, to which the Consumer Council responded to almost 2022 calls and e-mails in 3000.
| Market | 2022 | 2021 | Development, |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used car | 4877 | 5214 | -6% |
| Electricity and internet rental | 3450 | 2025 | 70% |
| Rent | 2994 | 2769 | 8% |
| Airline | 2684 | 1428 | 88% |
| Craft service | 1866 | 1737 | 7% |
| Decor and furniture | 1782 | 1819 | -2% |
| clothes/shoes and bags etc. | 1703 | 1265 | 35% |
| Building Materials | 1485 | 1756 | -15% |
| Appliances and heating | 1030 | 1397 | -26% |
| New car | 996 | 941 | 6% |
– The level of conflict would probably be much lower if the parties better documented what was agreed, says Inger Lise Blyverket.
The SAS strike also left a clear mark, with many unsure of their rights and what they should do to save the holiday.
“Many desperate consumers contacted when planes were left on the ground. The company's handling of returns and compensation has also caused a lot of questions and legitimate annoyance, says Inger Lise Blyverket.
Companies with the most inquiries
There are a few regulars on the list, which can probably be largely attributed to the volume of turnover. There are also smaller players who stand out with a disproportionate number of requests.
| Company | Number |
|---|---|
| Electricity purchases | 1215 |
| SAS | 1089 |
| Power | 640 |
| fjordcraft | 491 |
| Telenor | 467 |
| Telia | 384 |
| norwegian | 312 |
| strive | 280 |
| Tesla | 277 |
| StayClassy | 262 |
The "StayClassy" company, which sells electric scooters, has caused many consumers many problems with poor customer service and lack of deliveries. The Norwegian Consumer Authority imposed fines of NOK 1,5 million on the company and NOK 400 on the CEO. The company states on its website that the company's operations have been suspended and sales have been suspended. The company will also provide contact information on website www.stayclassy.no as soon as they are available.
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Source: forbrukerrådet
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