Lysaker, 13 August 2008 Nord Pool has received the following information from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE): Large price difference between power companies offering standard variable supply contracts The price difference between the 15 cheapest nationwide companies and the leading suppliers is 12.5 øre. The difference has been more than 10 øre for 7 weeks now. The price difference has never been higher since the NVE started registering the prices of such supply contracts in 2003. The average price of a standard variable supply contract from the 15 cheapest nationwide companies is 35.0 øre/kWh. In comparison the average price of the same contract from the leading suppliers in the various grid areas is 47.5 øre/kWh. In addition, there are still large regional price differences for spot market contracts. The price to a consumer in Southern Norway (NO1) was 45.2 øre/kWh, 59.3 øre/kWh in Middle Norway (NO2) and 53.7 øre/kWh in Northern Norway (NO3) in week 32. The good hydrological situation and reduced export capacity in Southern Norway have contributed to lower prices in this area than other parts of Norway and the Nordic countries. http://www.statnett.no Prognosis from Statnett>> ------------------------------- Contact persons at NVE: Marit L. Fossdal, phone: +47 2295 9353 Tor Arnt Johnsen, phone: +47 9302 4238