Page 26 - U4SSC Factsheet Ålesund, Norway, June 2020

Electricity Supply

Performance to
Category KPI Result SDG
Benchmark

Smart Electricity Meters 95.01 %

Electricity Supply ICT 91.41 %
Monitoring

Demand Response 0.04 %
Penetration

Electricity System Outage
Frequency 1.05

Electricity System Outage 66.86
Time Minutes

Access to Electricity 97.39 %

This monitoring is important, as it allows for a more direct and real-time measurement of the load on
an electricity grid and the consumption habits of consumers. Real-time data can allow for more real-
time pricing of electricity and the implementation of tools to manage energy usage and peak demand.

Also of help in this regard will be further development of the country’s demand response penetration
or capability. Demand response would provide an opportunity for consumers to play a significant role
in the operation of the electric grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods
in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives. Demand-response programmes
could also be used by electric system planners and operators as resource options for balancing supply
and demand.

Heating and cooling systems have been found to be one the most promising areas for instituting
demand response. They offer explicit (i.e. real-time, short-notice) flexibility, as well as implicit flexibility
(i.e. long-term expected changes in load demand). Both types of flexibility reduce the need for electric
grid investments via capacity expansions and help lower network costs in other areas, in addition to
several other tertiary benefits. 19

In Norway, electricity is the main source of heating; consequently, the potential flexibility from space
and water heating in Norway is substantial. Further development of demand response capability and
awareness is recommended for all Norwegian cities and regions, including Ålesund – particularly in
light of the news that Norway has recently adopted a regulation for consumers and producers of more
than 1 megawatt per hour that will require them to pay more for grid upgrades and extensions.
20

20 U4SSC Factsheet | Ålesund, Norway | June 2020