Lysaker, 11 August 2004 Nord Pool has received the following information from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE): The Norwegian power production increased weakly from last week, but compared with the corresponding week last year the production is 22 per cent lower this year. As the domestic consumption is on last year's level, this implies a higher Norwegian import of power. In week 32, the Norwegian net import was 247 GWh, while last year's net export was 175 GWh. As of 9 August, the energy content to the Norwegian hydropower reservoirs was 69.3 percentage points. Throughout week 32 the energy content increased with 0.9 percentage points. In the corresponding week last year the energy content dropped with 0.3 percentage points, and the reservoir level is now 3.4 percentage points higher than last year. In Sweden, the energy content increased with 0.2 percentage points, and is now 73 per cent. The spot price increased weakly last week. Increased consumption and production and less precipitation than normal contributes to explaining the rise in prices. The average price for standard variable contracts for the dominating power suppliers in 28 large net areas will increase with 0.017 NOK/kWh from week 33 until week 35. The average for the 15 least expensive national power suppliers increased with only 0.02 NOK/kWh. In week 35, the average for the 15 cheapest national power suppliers is 0.028 NOK/kWh lower than the average for the dominating suppliers. ------------------------------- Contact person at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate: Marit Lundteigen Fossdal, NVE, tel: +47 2295 9353