How Norwegian Utility Providers Can Comply With the New User Authentication Law
An upcoming law will require utility companies in Norway to implement secure user identity verification systems from June 1, 2025.
This is due to the lack of proper verification and consent controls when customers switch utility providers. There are between 600,000 and 700,000 such switches every year, where privacy, security, and protection of personal information are not prioritized.
The new regulation will require utility companies to use verification systems and signature solutions like BankID to remain compliant.
Read on to learn more about the law and how to stay compliant.
How to ensure compliance
The new law states:
"The power supplier must authenticate the end-user through a secure login solution when switching providers or transferring facilities.
The power supplier is required to obtain electronic, documentable consent from the end-user when switching providers or transferring facilities."
By far the easiest and most effective way to digitally authenticate users and collect their documented consent in compliance with the new law is by using BankID.
BankID is Norway’s primary electronic identity, used by over 4.5 million people.
It plays a key role in several highly regulated industries by ensuring secure identity verification.
Many utility companies already rely on BankID to verify their customers’ identities, reduce fraud, protect privacy, and provide an easy login experience.
What are the benefits of integrating BankID?
There are several benefits of using BankID for user verification:
- Compliance with the new law: BankID provides stronger security and better privacy protection in accordance with the regulation.
- Smooth user experience: BankID uses biometric authentication. This eliminates the need for usernames and passwords, which helps boost conversion rates.
- Trusted and recognizable: BankID is widely recognized and trusted by Norwegians, which strengthens your brand’s credibility.
Why the regulation matters to you
Failure to comply with the new regulation can lead to several problems:
- Legal risks: Potential penalties or fines for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
- Reputation damage: Customers may view companies without secure verification as less trustworthy.
How to get started: What utility providers needs to do
If you’re a utility provider operating in Norway, follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand your legal obligations
Determine if the new law applies to your company. If so, start exploring your options for BankID providers.
Step 2: Test BankID in your services
After selecting a provider, begin integrating BankID as early as possible.
With a provider like Criipto, you can test the BankID integration for free before making any commitments. This lets you evaluate if Criipto meets your technical, legal, and pricing requirements at your own pace.
Sign up for free to start testing.
Step 3: Implement BankID and start verifying customers
Make sure to fully test BankID before the legal deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
With Criipto, you can go live by simply upgrading from your test environment to a paid plan. For high-volume needs, you can consult our experts.
Why choose Criipto for BankID?
Criipto helps utility companies make a hassle-free switch to BankID.
Criipto is part of BankID BankAxept, the owners of BankID.
We already support leading utility companies in Norway with BankID solutions, along with hundreds of businesses across various industries, authenticating millions of Norwegians every day.
We pride ourselves on:
- Simple integration: Save your developers time with our plug-and-play solution. We assist with onboarding and the BankID application process.
- High-quality technical support: Get direct access to our developers through our dedicated Slack support channel.
- Low operating costs: Enjoy competitive pricing no matter the size of your business. Keep your BankID integration affordable and efficient.
You can test our BankID integration for free, for as long as you like.
Sign up without any obligations or hidden fees.
You can also reach out to us to discuss your specific needs.
"We had a look at several BankID providers and decided on Criipto. The documentation was extremely easy to follow for our developers and we could start integrating right away. We were up and running within two weeks."
- Thomas Mathisen, Operations and Development Manager
Gudbrandsdal Energi
Don't wait until the last minute
Get a smooth start with BankID and ensure compliance before June 1.
