Electricity transmission and distribution in the Helsinki region

Electricity produced in power plants is transmitted to customers through an electricity network. The distribution of electricity is not subject to competitive bidding, but the distribution service is purchased from the distribution system operator in the area in which the building connected to a network is located. The electricity network company creates the preconditions for efficient functioning of the electricity market by connecting the producers and consumers of electricity in an efficient and reliable manner.

The charges debited by the electricity network company are called distribution tariffs. In addition to the distribution charge debited by the electricity network company, an electricity tax, a strategic stockpile fee of the state and a value added tax are also included in the tariff.

Distribution tariffs are used to maintain electricity networks. When a customer pays a distribution tariff, he or she in fact compensates the distribution system operator maintaining the electricity network for electricity distribution, maintenance of the electricity network, its repairs, development and modernisation, as well as for the construction of entirely new network sections.  The price includes operation control of the electricity network and fault-clearing service 24 hours a day, fault repair and customer service by telephone and through the Internet. The network company is also responsible for measuring customers’ electricity consumption.