Finland Electricity Contract, Home Insurance and Utilities 2026: Complete Newcomer Guide
Explains electricity sales versus distribution, fixed/open-ended/spot contracts, transfer fees, moving, home insurance, water/heating/internet/parking utilities, move notifications and billing mistakes.
Short answer
Home electricity in Finland has two separate components: electricity energy purchased from a seller and distribution/transfer provided by the local network company at the address. You can choose the electricity seller, but not the distribution company. An open-ended consumer electricity contract is generally terminable with two weeks' notice. A fixed-term contract normally binds the parties until expiry; whether moving permits early termination depends on the contract terms. Spot electricity follows the Nord Pool market and varies over time. When moving, verify that electricity is active at the new home and do not assume the old-address contract terminates automatically. If electricity is not included in rent, make a separate contract. Home insurance is not automatically required by law for every tenant, but landlords may require it in the lease and Suomi.fi strongly recommends it for renters.
1. Electricity seller vs distribution company
The total electricity cost consists of energy, distribution and taxes. The energy seller and price can be competed; distribution is charged by the local grid company.
The distribution company is determined by the property's location and cannot be chosen by the customer. Comparing only the energy kWh price therefore does not show the full cost.
2. Fixed, open-ended and spot electricity
| Type | Main feature |
|---|---|
| Fixed-term | More predictable price/term; early exit normally restricted |
| Open-ended fixed price | Seller can change price with required advance notice; consumer notice generally two weeks |
| Spot | Nord Pool market price plus margin/basic fee; price varies over time |
3. Electricity contract when moving
When you order electricity for the new address, the seller normally coordinates the network/distribution agreement as well. An incorrect move-in date can delay activation.
Do not assume the old-address contract automatically ends. Finnish consumer cases show billing can continue after a move when termination was not handled correctly. Keep written move-out and new-start confirmations.
4. Water, heating, internet, parking and sauna
In apartment buildings, heating is often included in rent/maintenance charges, while water may be billed per person or by meter. Detached and semi-detached homes can have substantially more independent heating, water/wastewater and waste costs.
Parking, sauna, laundry-room access and building broadband can be separate housing-company services. Confirm in writing what is included before signing the lease.
5. Home insurance
Home insurance can cover the tenant's belongings, liability and risks such as water, fire or theft depending on the selected policy. Exact cover varies by insurer and product.
A landlord can require valid home insurance in the lease, and Suomi.fi recommends home insurance even for renters. Do not assume the landlord/building policy protects the tenant's personal property.
6. Move notification and address updates
A notification of move can be submitted at the earliest one month before the move and must reach DVV no later than one week after the move. Posti's online service can update both Posti and the Population Information System.
Address data is forwarded to many authorities and some banks, insurers and energy companies, but do not assume this automatically terminates or starts electricity, telecom or insurance contracts.
7. Utilities move-in checklist
Checklist
- Is electricity included in rent?
- Seller vs distribution company understood?
- New electricity start date confirmed?
- Old-address contract closed in writing?
- Correct fixed/open-ended/spot type?
- Distribution fees and taxes included in total-cost estimate?
- Which water/heating/internet/parking/sauna items are included?
- Home insurance active with suitable liability cover?
- Move notification filed?
- Separate notices to telecom/electricity/insurance providers completed where needed?
Common questions about this topic
Can I choose another electricity distribution company?
No. The distribution company is the local grid operator for the address and cannot be chosen; only the electricity seller can be competed.
Does my old electricity contract automatically end when I move?
Do not rely on that. Confirm termination at the old address and activation at the new address separately and in writing.
Official sources
The following official or public sources were checked for this guide. Current authority instructions always take precedence.
Relocation to Finland
Practical planning for people and families moving to Finland: residence route, registration, tax, banking and settling-in steps.
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