“The Kredinor Electricity Helpline will be a support resource for those who are struggling due to high electricity prices. Our aim is to prevent financial problems from piling up, and support those who are facing additional problems”, says Ole Marius Thorstensen, who is the acting managing director of Kredinor
Kredinor is Norway’s largest debt collection company, providing follow-up of outstanding claims for about half of the Norwegian electricity market. As recently as in 2019 we dealt with over half a million debt recovery claims against Norwegian consumers and companies.
“We are now putting together a dedicated team of specialists that electricity customers can contact for real help to get control of their finances and their outstanding electricity bills”, says Thorstensen.
Shocking electric bills
Debt recovery cases fell in 2020 as a result of the pandemic and historically low electricity prices, but now, with sustained high electricity prices, the number of recovery cases in the energy market is expected to increase significantly in the time ahead.
“The Kredinor Electricity Helpline is intended to provide practical help for people with big electricity bills and challenging finances. We are aware that the electricity bill is just one of many bills that have to be paid – there’s also the telephone, broadband, insurance, rent, transport, interest and instalment payments, food and drink and everything else involved in running a household”, says Thorstensen.
As a debt collection company, Kredinor adheres to official guidelines in following up unpaid claims, and it can step in with additional help when various customer groups are at risk. Currently, more people are being affected than ever before, with high electricity prices on top of other household expenses.
“Sky-high electricity bills are having an impact on overall private finances. We are aware that NAV offices are now being contacted by many desperate people. Our financial advice will help customers to obtain an overview and be able to pay more than they otherwise would”, says Kredinor’s Ole Marius Thorstensen.
The Kredinor Electricity Helpline is intended as an advice service that provides personal financial help and advice for people struggling to pay large bills.
What is the Kredinor Electricity Helpline?
- A direct phone number for electricity customers who are struggling financially: 21609280
- An advice helpline that will open at 08.00 on 22 December
- Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- A dedicated team of specialists
- Debt collection advice that looks at every aspect of the customer’s finances
- Continuous dialogue with advice customers
- Identifying the customer’s financial commitments
- Contacting creditors based on dialogue with the customer
- Drawing up a financial plan for the customer
- Discussing a financial plan and payment priorities
We hope people will contact us in the time ahead. The Kredinor Electricity Helpline is intended as an advice service that provides personal financial help and advice for people struggling to pay their bills. The team of specialists will help the customer to organise and regain control of their personal finances.
