Norwegian construction industry fears costs from new energy reporting rules

The Norwegian construction industry is expressing concern over the upcoming energy mapping regulation, set to take effect on October 1. The law requires companies exceeding a specific size to map and report their electricity consumption to Enova and the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).

According to the Association of Mechanical Contractors (MEF), the reporting threshold of 2.5 gigawatt-hours per year will impact approximately 500 member companies. MEF estimates these businesses will face combined additional costs of 80 million NOK for measuring equipment and consultancy services.

Industry representatives note that the regulation disproportionately affects the construction and transport sectors due to high energy and fuel usage. For example, a consumption of roughly 210,000 liters of diesel is equivalent to the reporting threshold, meaning companies with as few as 15 to 20 employees could be subject to these new requirements. This comes at a time when the industry is already facing pressure from high interest rates and rising costs for materials and fuel.