Statnett is first of all responsible for all high voltage electricity transmission and distribution in Norway. Such distribution is mainly from the country’s main hydro-electric power production plants countrywide.  The main grid consists of approximately 10 000 km of high voltage transmission lines as well as numerous transformer and connector stations. Statnett is not responsible for the generation of electricity itself, but for ensuring that the electricity reaches the regional distributors and thereby the end-user at all times. Statnett’s revenues are mostly earned by leasing transmission facilities to the Main Grid Commercial Agreement (MGCA).

Statnett is also appointed the role as Norway’s Transmission System Operator (TSO) with an overall responsibility of coordinating the operation of the country’s electric power system, maintaining correct balance between supply and demand at all times. In doing so Statnett also regulates all electric power exchange with other national grid systems abroad, primarily involving those of the other Nordic grid system operators. 

The Statnett Group has more than 850 employees and corporate head office located at Smestad in the western suburbs of Oslo.

Core operations comprise the three main areas of Grid Operations, the Main Grid Commercial Agreement and Regulating Power, in addition to various activities within the Nord Pool companies as well as freight specialist subsidiary Statnett Transport AS.  The Group also consist of the pension fund Statnett Pensjonskasse AS as well as Statnett Forsikring AS, an insurance captive.