A significant change in the power situation could necessitate the restoration of the distinction between these two regions in the future.

Since November 2006, Central Norway and Northern Norway have been divided into two separate elspot areas for the trading of power on Nord Pool, the Nordic power exchange. This was done to guarantee the supply of electricity to Central Norway through the full utilisation of transmission capacity in to the region. So far this year, around 3.3 billion kWh have been imported into Central Norway, primarily from Northern Norway.

By mid-November, Statnett will have completed a two-year NOK 500 million investment programme in the main grid in Central Norway and Northern Norway. These investments will increase the capacity of the grid and considerably improve the stability of the grid. This, combined with the relatively good reservoir inflow in both regions, means that Statnett now believes that it is appropriate to re-establish Central and Northern Norway as a common elspot area for power.

If the power situation were to alter significantly and the need to import large amounts of power from Northern Norway to Central Norway should arise once again, it may be appropriate to re-establish Central Norway as a separate elspot area at a later date. The risk of this becoming necessary will remain until Statnett has completed the construction of a new power line between Sogn and Sunnmøre. The plans for this power line have been submitted to the authorities for approval.

Norway is normally divided into two elspot areas for power, one covering Southern Norway and one covering the area north of Dovre and Nordfjord. During certain periods when capacity problems are being experienced in the grid or there is a risk of an energy shortage, other regions in the country have also been marked out as separate elspot areas. This measure is authorised in a Regulation issued under the Norwegian Energy Act and represents a type of measure which is being used in an increasing number of countries.