Consumer rebate on the cards? State audit uncovers huge discrepancies with the way Danish energy is delivered

Households and businesses have been overcharged over 60 million kroner since 2018 – and this might just be a fraction of the extra cost

A new report carried out by the Statsrevisorerne state auditors reveals that Danish energy companies overcharged consumers 61.8 million kroner between 2018 and 2021 – and that this might be the tip of the iceberg.

Commissioned by the Rigsrevisionen national audit office, the Statsrevisorerne report only assessed the activities of 76 of the country’s 600 energy companies, discovering discrepancies with 34 of them.

Some 22 of these have already been ordered to pay money back to consumers.

The findings come at a time when energy companies are charging record-high prices for energy in light of the rising costs caused by the War in Ukraine and inflation.

Energy supply authority blamed
Rigsrevisionen chiefly blames the failure of the Forsyningstilsynet energy supply authority, which was set up in 2018 to monitor the companies’ activities. 

According to DR, Forsyningstilsynet carried out just one inspection between 2018 and 2021.

“Statsrevisorerne finds it very unsatisfactory that a number of consumers have paid an overcharge for the transport of supplies,” concluded the report.

“There is a risk that this applies to more consumers for both electricity, gas and heat.”




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

  • Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    In Denmark, journalism feels free — calm, almost unbothered, and independent. In Azerbaijan, it can cost journalists their freedom, as in the case of Avaz Zeynalli, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Xural, who is currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.