From electricity and heating to gas and EV charging, understanding how energy works is crucial for managing your monthly expenses and making informed choices for your home in Denmark. This article provides an in-depth overview of everything you need to know about utilities in Denmark.
Denmark is known for its high share of renewable energy and efficient infrastructure, but the costs of energy & electricity in Denmark can be higher than in many other countries. For foreigners, navigating contracts, bills, and setup procedures may seem confusing at first. This guide provides a clear overview of the Danish energy system, explains how bills and contracts work, and offers practical tips to make your transition smoother.
If you want to read further and deep dive into the specific topics covered in this article, we have these articles that are most certainly worth checking out:
- Best Energy Providers in Denmark for Foreigners
- Best EV Charging Providers in Denmark for Foreigners
- Best Gas & Petrol Companies in Denmark for Foreigners
Article Content
- Here are the key points in this article:
- Find an Electricity Provider That Fits Your Needs
- How Energy Is Supplied in Denmark
- Setting Up Energy & Electricity in Denmark
- What the Numbers Say About Energy & Electricity in Denmark
- FAQ About Energy & Electricity in Denmark
- Are electricity bills high in Denmark?
- Can I choose green energy options?
- How is energy consumption measured in Denmark?
- Are there any government subsidies or support for energy costs?
- How do I switch energy providers?
- Are electric vehicles (EVs) supported in Denmark?
- How can I reduce my electricity costs?
- Who regulates the electricity market in Denmark?
- What happens if I move to a new home?
Here are the key points in this article:
- Denmark’s Energy Infrastructure: Denmark features a modern and reliable energy system that integrates electricity, heating, and gas, with a significant reliance on renewable sources such as wind power. It accounts for nearly 50% of electricity generation.
- Components of a Danish Energy Bill: Energy bills in Denmark typically include consumption charges, delivery fees, taxes and duties, and metering costs, with billing frequency usually monthly or quarterly and options for online account management.
- Choosing an Energy Provider: Foreigners can select from large national providers, green energy companies, budget providers, local municipal services, and EV charging specialists, with tips emphasizing credit acceptance, contract types, language support, and sustainability focus.
- Setting Up Energy Services: Establishing energy services involves registering your address with your CPR number, comparing providers, signing contracts, scheduling installations or meter readings, and setting up automatic payments.
- Energy Trends and Costs in Denmark: The average Danish household spent around DKK 23,444 on energy in 2023, with electricity costing about 2.8 DKK per kWh in late 2024, and over 45% of energy consumption coming from renewable sources, highlighting Denmark’s commitment to sustainability.
If you are specifically looking for providers, you can also check out our guides Best energy providers in Denmark for foreigners, Best EV charging providers in Denmark for foreigners, and Best gas & petrol companies in Denmark for foreigners.
Find an Electricity Provider That Fits Your Needs
You don’t have to read to the end to know what the best electricity provider for you is. With electricity prices fluctuating in recent years, more and more Danes are looking for ways to cut their bills. By switching providers, you could save up to 2,800 DKK annually – completely free and without obligation.
Danes and foreigners alike can use a comparison site like Samlino or FindElpriser – which means, you guessed it; find the lowest electricity prices.
The comparison tools makes it easy to compare the fees and prices of various electricity providers in Denmark according to your needs.
Save money on Electricity...
See the cheapest electricity prices in Denmark and save money.
How Energy Is Supplied in Denmark
Denmark boasts a modern and highly reliable energy infrastructure that seamlessly integrates electricity, heating, and gas to effectively power homes, businesses, and various other establishments across the country. In the graph below, you can see the energy sources by type in Denmark. Wind, solar, and hydro energy is on the rise, while coal has been significantly out-phased over the past thirty years.
It can be very hard to know exactly where the energy in your household comes from. But providers get better and better at providing more information about the energy sources, if you want to know more about that.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
Electricity
Electricity in Denmark is delivered through a well-maintained national grid. The country relies heavily on renewable energy, with wind power accounting for nearly 50% of electricity generation in recent years, according to this report from the Danish Energy Agency. Most households are connected to the public grid, and electricity can be purchased from a variety of providers under fixed or variable contracts.
Energy prices can fluctuate significantly in Denmark, simply depending on whether the wind is turning the Danish windmills or not. When the wind is strong, the energy price can fall to negative in Denmark. Typically, the price for a KwH is around 1-2 DKK, and a price of 5 KwH would be considered high.
To put this in perspective, you might have an electrical vehicle in your garage with a battery of 70 kW. To charge it from 0% to 100% would thus cost you 70 DKK if the kWh price is 1 DKK.
Denmark imports power from Sweden and Norway, while exporting energy to Germany and the Netherlands. Because the production of energy in Denmark fluctuates according to the wind speed, Denmark is reliant on the energy grid in Europe.
Heating
Many Danish homes use district heating systems, especially in cities and apartment complexes. District heating delivers hot water or steam from a central plant to multiple buildings. In rural areas or single-family homes, individual heating systems such as gas boilers, heat pumps, or electric heaters are more common.
District heating bills are usually separate from electricity bills and are based on consumption. It has long been the go-to and most popular form of heating in Denmark. However, due to higher prices, some municipalities can no longer compete with the lower price of natural gas. As prices fluctuate in the markets, Danish households have to consider not only the short-term energy bill, but also the total cost over 10 and 20 years.
Gas
Natural gas is less common than electricity and district heating but is still used in some homes for heating and cooking. Gas supply is managed by regional companies, and bills depend on both consumption and delivery fees.
Natural gas has gained a strong comeback lately, as prices of gas have reduced, while the price of district heating has increased for new installations.
Denmark has traditionally been a net exporter of natural gas from the North Sea gas and oil fields.
Renewables and Sustainability
Denmark’s energy system is increasingly green, with a significant share coming from wind, solar, and biomass. Households connected to renewable energy often benefit from government incentives, including reduced tariffs or subsidies for energy-efficient appliances.
By understanding how electricity, heating, and gas work in Denmark, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right services and manage your energy costs effectively.
Understanding Your Energy Bill
Energy bills in Denmark can seem complicated at first, especially for newcomers. They typically include several components:
- Consumption charges: The cost of electricity or gas you actually use, usually measured in kWh.
- Delivery fees: Charges for transporting energy to your home via the grid.
- Taxes and duties: Denmark applies various energy taxes and VAT on electricity and heating.
- Metering costs: Small fees for maintaining and reading your electricity or heating meter.
Bills are usually issued monthly or quarterly, depending on your provider. Many energy companies now offer online accounts where you can monitor usage, pay bills, and even compare your consumption with similar households.
Save money on Electricity...
See the cheapest electricity prices in Denmark and save money.
Foreigners should also be aware of “prepayment” and “post-payment” options. Some providers may require a deposit or advance payment when setting up your account, especially if you are new to the country and don’t yet have a credit history in Denmark.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
Selecting an energy provider in Denmark depends on your needs, contract preferences, and budget. There are several types of providers:
| Provider Type | Description | Contract Length | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large national providers | Companies like SE, Eniig, and Andel supply electricity and heating nationwide. | Usually 12–24 months | Reliable service, widespread coverage, online account management | Can be slightly more expensive |
| Green energy providers | Offer renewable energy sourced from wind, solar, or biomass. | 12–24 months | Environmentally friendly, often competitive pricing | May have limited offers in certain regions |
| Budget providers | Focus on low-cost electricity or gas contracts. | Flexible or 12 months | Cost-effective, often no frills | Limited customer service, may have variable pricing |
| Local municipal providers | Supply heating, sometimes electricity, in specific towns or districts. | Typically annual or biannual | Stable service, often lower fees for residents | Only available in certain areas |
| EV charging specialists | Providers like E.ON or Clever focus on electric vehicle charging subscriptions. | Flexible | Convenient for EV owners, often app-based | Not suitable for general household energy needs |
Tips for choosing a provider as a foreigner:
- Check if they accept customers without a long Danish credit history.
- Compare variable vs. fixed contracts based on how long you plan to stay.
- Look for online services in English if your Danish is limited.
- Consider green energy if sustainability is important to you—it’s popular and widely available.
We have made a very detailed guide to finding a provider that you can read here.
Setting Up Energy & Electricity in Denmark
Getting your energy set up is usually straightforward, but there are a few steps to keep in mind:
- Register your address: Energy providers need your CPR number (the Danish personal identification number) and your address. If you are renting, your landlord may help with initial setup.
- Choose a provider: You can compare electricity, gas, or heating providers online. Many offer fixed or variable contracts, and prices can vary significantly.
- Sign a contract: Contracts usually last 12–24 months. Make sure to read the terms carefully, including cancellation policies and any fees.
- Schedule installation or meter reading: For some services, especially gas or district heating, a technician may need to visit your home.
- Set up payments: Most providers use automatic payments via your bank (NemKonto). Some may allow credit card or online payments.
Once your services are active, monitor your bills regularly and consider energy-saving practices, such as using LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats to reduce costs.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
What the Numbers Say About Energy & Electricity in Denmark
Understanding the broader energy landscape in Denmark can help you make informed decisions about your energy usage and costs. Here are some key statistics and insights:
According to Statistics Denmark, the average Danish household spent DKK 23,444 on energy in 2023, encompassing electricity, gas, and other fuels. Notably, approximately one-third of this amount was allocated to electricity expenses.
As of the second half of 2024, the price of electricity for households with normal consumption was 2.8 DKK per kWh.
Denmark’s commitment to sustainability is evident, with 45.2% of total final energy consumption sourced from renewable energy in 2023.
In 2022, Denmark’s primary energy consumption per capita was approximately 33,538 kWh, reflecting the nation’s energy usage trends.
FAQ About Energy & Electricity in Denmark
Are electricity bills high in Denmark?
Electricity prices in Denmark are among the higher rates in Europe, mainly due to taxes and renewable energy funding. As of 2024, the average household pays roughly 2.8 DKK per kWh. Your total bill depends on usage, time of day (if you have a variable-rate plan), and your energy provider. Energy-efficient homes and appliances can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Can I choose green energy options?
Yes. Virtually all energy providers offer renewable energy plans sourced from wind, solar, or biomass. Denmark is a global leader in wind energy, and many providers default to green or carbon-neutral electricity. You can also choose certified renewable plans (such as those with “GO” certificates) to ensure your energy comes from verified sustainable sources.
How is energy consumption measured in Denmark?
Electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on readings from your smart meter. Most Danish homes have digital meters connected automatically to the supplier’s network. Gas and district heating are measured separately—gas in cubic meters and heating in megawatt-hours or based on estimated energy usage for your property.
Are there any government subsidies or support for energy costs?
The Danish government occasionally offers temporary compensation schemes or rebates during periods of high energy prices, especially for low-income households. Support may come through your municipality, social benefits, or direct tax relief. You can check Borger.dk or your utility company’s website for current support programs.
How do I switch energy providers?
Switching is straightforward and free of charge. You simply sign up with your new provider, who will handle the entire transfer process, including notifying your current supplier. There is no interruption to your electricity supply. It’s advisable to compare prices and green energy options on platforms like Elpris.dk before making a switch.
Are electric vehicles (EVs) supported in Denmark?
Yes. Denmark actively promotes electric mobility. Many energy providers offer home charging packages and discounts for off-peak charging. Public charging stations are widely available and often compatible with universal charging apps. Some municipalities even provide lower parking fees or free charging for EVs.
How can I reduce my electricity costs?
You can lower electricity expenses by using smart thermostats, switching to LED lighting, limiting standby consumption, and using appliances during off-peak hours if your plan supports time-of-use pricing. Installing solar panels or joining local energy communities can also help offset your energy bill over time.
Who regulates the electricity market in Denmark?
The Danish Energy Agency (Energistyrelsen) oversees energy policy, market regulation, and renewable initiatives. Energinet, the national transmission operator, manages the electricity grid and ensures stability and security of supply.
What happens if I move to a new home?
When moving, you need to register with a new energy provider for your address. It’s best to do this at least a few days before you move in to ensure service continuity. Most providers allow you to set up or update your contract online.
