Based in Oslo, Alpiq Norway AS (formerly Energypartner AS) was established as an independent energy consulting and portfolio management company in 1991. Alpiq acquired an initial interest in the Norwegian company in 2000, and in 2003 Alpiq increased its holding from 70 to 100 percent.

Currently, 30 people work at Alpiq Norway headquarters next to Oslo’s main railway station, and two more at a branch office in Denmark. Alpiq Norway manages extensive energy portfolios for third parties, mainly larger industrial companies. The company’s offerings range from developing and implementing tailor-made energy procurement strategies, through assistance with optimising contracts, to in-depth market and price analysis.

Nord Pool – Norway’s pioneering venture

Nord Pool is a Nordic electricity exchange with a history that is linked to liberalisation of the Scandinavian electricity market.

Norway played the pioneer role here, opening its electricity market back in 1991. The exchange had its beginnings in 1992. The merger with Sweden in 1996 resulted in the Nord Pool name. The exchange is also a major trading centre for Denmark and Finland. Norway`s electricity consumption rose sharply through the 1990s, helped by a growing economy and low prices. Since generation facilities did not expand to keep pace, Norway is in a normal year a net importer of electricity. Some 99 percent of domestic production relies on hydro power.