Elektroforeningen (EFO) represent 190 of Norway’s electrical wholesalers and suppliers. Our members deliver everything from offshore cables to smart home systems and solar panels. Our vision is clear: Norway will be the world’s first fully electrified country.
EFO is actively engaged in the EUEW, where our CEO, Frank Jaegtnes, is one of the board members. This involvement ensures that Norwegian industry perspectives are represented at the European level, while also allowing us to collaborate closely with our European counterparts on common challenges and opportunities.
Our main focus areas are Electrification, Digitalization and Sustainability – with heavy focus on making sure the electrical industry goes from linear to a circular industry.
Electrification: How we measure progress
Tracking Norway’s electrification status is a key priority for EFO. Together with Å Energi (one of Norways largest energy companies), Siemens (The global tech corporation), and Bellona (an NGO), we monitor developments and present the latest status each year at Arendalsuka. Arendalsuka is Norway’s largest political and industry gathering, where leaders from politics, business, and civil society meet to discuss key societal issues and shape the future. The status we present is based on the share of electricity consumption compared to other energy sources in Norway. You can learn more about the calculations at www.helelektrisk.no (only in Norwegian). Here, you can explore different industries and their progress towards becoming 100% electric.
In 2023, Norway was 54% electrified. Progress is happening, but there is still a long way to go. We work to remove obstacles and push for policies that support clean and efficient electrical solutions. During this year's Arendalsuka, we hope to see that the electrification number has gone up.
"Electrification isn’t just a number - it’s about building a better, smarter, and more sustainable society. We’re making progress, but there’s still work to do. At Arendalsuka, we’ll see where we stand and, more importantly, how we can push forward together", says Frank Jaegtnes, CEO of Elektroforeningen, EFO.
A fully electrified society is a very energy efficient society, However, to transform from fossil energy sources to 100% electricity we will require access to more clean energy. EFO is committed to promoting greater energy efficiency across both industrial sectors and in buildings. We also promote solar energy and consumer flexibility as good solutions.
A digitalized electric industry
Digitalization is transforming the electrical industry, creating new opportunities and challenges. EFO ensures that our members have the right tools—not just to adapt, but to thrive in this digital shift. One of our main focus areas includes our product data base, EFObasen. EFObasen provides structured product data to improve efficiency and decision-making, and the data base contains more than 260.000 different products. Some of the data-categories we provide include, among others:
ETIM classification for standardized product descriptions
Measurement data for logistics and planning
EPD data for sustainability reporting
"Access to structured product data is crucial for the future of this industry", says Phillip Tran, Technology Director at EFO.
In recent months, we have established a Digitalization Committee focused on digitalization and product data. Led by our Strategic Advisor, Ole Gunnar Honningsøy, the committee brings together wholesalers and manufacturers to drive industry-wide improvements. Meetings are held several times a year to discuss and approve changes to regulations, data structure, and content in EFObasen. In addition, the committee will ensure follow-up on key initiatives and actively work to enhance data quality. This will play a crucial role in advancing digitalization in Norway’s electrical industry.
EFO is also involved in PDT Norge (Product Data Template Norway), an initiative dedicated to improving digital product information. PDT Norge promotes the standardization and exchange of product information in the construction, civil engineering, and real estate industries by developing, managing, and distributing digital product data templates (PDT). EFO was involved in shaping PDT Norge and remains an active member today.
Another key initiative we are deeply involved in is Byggstand. Its goal is to develop and implement frameworks and guidelines that support sustainable and efficient value chains in the Norwegian construction industry. EFO helped shape Byggstand and, together with Andre Mamelund from Virke, plays an active role in driving its work forward.
In addition, EFO co-manages ETIM in Norway together with Norsk Byggtjeneste (NOBB), ensuring standardized product classification across the industry.
Circular Economy: Real steps towards sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. Together with authorities and industry players, we are working to build a more circular electrical industry. Our focus is on extending product life, reducing waste, and increasing reuse.
One of our latest initiatives, Circular Business Models, is a collaboration with stakeholders across the value chain. It involves contractors, entrepreneurs, and wholesalers working together to test how electric products can be disassembled from demolition projects, examined, and resold by a wholesaler. This project has received NOK 1 million (about 100 000 euro) in funding from Innovation Norway, a key government agency supporting innovation and business development in Norway. Their support underscores the importance of this work.
"Real sustainability requires collaboration across the entire value chain", says Marie Loe Halvorsen, Director of Industry Policy at EFO.
Navigating industry challenges
Like the rest of Europe, Norway’s electrical industry is facing uncertain times. Rising material costs, a slowdown in new construction, and economic uncertainty are pressing concerns for our members. By staying ahead of EU regulations and other upcoming policy changes, we do our best to keep our members informed and prepared for the future. To support this, we have recently launched both a podcast series and a webinar series, highlighting these critical issues for our members.
Meet Us in Helsinki
EFO will attend the EUEW Business Convention in Helsinki this June. We look forward to sharing insights and strengthening industry collaboration and meeting new and familiar faces again.
Want to know more about us? Visit www.efo.no or contact Thea@efo.no.
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