Lysaker, 25 April 2005 Nord Pool has received the following information from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE): The inflow to the Norwegian hydropower reservoirs was 70 percent above normal in week 15. On Monday, the reservoirs had a filling level of 33.7 percent, after a reduction of 1.3 percentage points during week 15. The filling level is now 8.6 percentage points higher than at the same time last year. In Sweden, the filling level fell by 0.8 percentage points, to 21.0 percent. So far this year, there has been a steady increase in the Nordic electricity prices. In week 15, the average spot price at the Nordic power exchange was 0.246 NOK/kWh. During the first two weeks of 2005, the price was between 0.18 and 0.19 NOK/kWh. The price increase can, among other factors, be attributed to precipitation below normal, and increased German prices. Increased wholesale prices have also influenced the prices offered to end users. For example, the average price on a one year fixed price contract offered by national suppliers has increased by more than 30 percent. In week 4, such a contract was priced at 0.271 NOK/kWh including VAT, while the price on a similar contract at the start of week 16 was offered at 0.369 NOK/kWh. ------------------------------- Contact person at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate: Marit Lundteigen Fossdal, NVE, tel: +47 2295 9353