Energy Authority clarifies electricity distribution pricing – an option without a power charge remains available for households
The Energy Authority will harmonize the pricing principles of electricity network companies by 1 January 2029 at the latest. A power charge will not become mandatory for households, and customers must continue to be offered a general distribution product without a power charge. Helen Electricity Network will update the calculation principles of products that include a power charge in line with the Energy Authority’s guidelines.
The Energy Authority harmonizes the principles determining the basic charge, energy charge, and power charge starting from the beginning of 2029. The regulation does not oblige network companies to introduce a power charge for all customers, and households will retain the option to select a general distribution product without a power charge.
The reform does not affect the total allowed revenue of network companies; the aim is to allocate costs more accurately to those users who require the most transfer capacity. At the same time, the goal is to enable customers to better influence their transfer fees through their own electricity consumption.
According to the Energy Authority’s guidelines, in a product with a power charge, the charge is determined based on the highest 60-minute average power consumption during the month. For households, the power charge begins when the 60-minute average exceeds the eight-kilowatt threshold.
Households can choose a distribution product without a power charge
Helen Electricity Network already applies a power charge in certain distribution products. We will adjust the determination principles of the power charge in accordance with the Energy Authority’s guidelines by 1 January 2029 at the latest. Our current product including a power charge is already close to the guideline provided by the Energy Authority, so the changes will be moderate overall.
For small connections, such as households or other small electricity users, the option to select a general electricity product without a power charge will remain. Household and small customers may also choose a time-based distribution product that includes a power charge.
The power charge encourages balancing electricity consumption and avoiding large peak loads. In products with a power charge, customers can influence the amount of the charge, for example by scheduling the use of high‑power appliances at different times.
Facts:
- The Energy Authority harmonizes electricity distribution pricing principles by 1 January 2029 at the latest. Network companies may adopt the new principles earlier.
- The reform of the tariff structure does not increase electricity distribution fees overall, but the fees may be allocated differently between customer groups.
- The Energy Authority does not require the introduction of a power charge for all customers, and households will retain the option to select a general distribution product without a power charge.
- Helen Electricity Network will continue to offer an alternative product without a power charge component for small connections (3x63 A or less).
- Helen Electricity Network will adjust the determination principles of products including a power charge by 1 January 2029.
- In products that include a power charge, the fee is based on the highest 60-minute average power consumption during the month.
- For households, the power charge begins when the 60-minute average power consumption exceeds the eight‑kilowatt threshold.
- Currently, the power charge applies to approximately 5 percent of Helen Electricity Network’s consumer customers.