Quarter-hour electricity pricing brings new opportunities for those interested in flexibility – up to 92% of spot electricity users estimate they save on their electricity bills through everyday choice
Starting in October, spot electricity will shift from hourly to quarter-hour pricing, giving users a more precise view of electricity price fluctuations. While this change is not expected to significantly affect the average overall price of electricity, it does offer new opportunities for savings. According to a study commissioned by Helen, the majority of spot electricity users believe they can save at least a few euros per month through their own actions.
The new quarter-hour pricing model, effective from the beginning of October, provides spot electricity users with a more detailed picture of electricity prices and, consequently, more refined opportunities to time their consumption. According to Helen’s survey conducted by Norstat, 37% of spot electricity users plan to take advantage of quarter-hour pricing to reduce their electricity bills.
The study also shows that Finns actively monitor their electricity usage. Among the spot electricity users who responded to the survey, 95% take actions to save electricity, and 92% estimate they save at least a few euros per month through these actions.
“Finnish spot electricity users are both price-conscious and environmentally aware consumers who consider environmental aspects alongside price. We’re pleased to help people better influence not only the size of their electricity bill but also the carbon footprint of their energy use,” says Anu-Elina Hintsa, Director of Customer Relations and Services at Helen.
Finnish spot electricity users have incorporated flexibility into their daily electricity use. The most popular method (used by 35% of respondents) is timing electricity use to cheaper periods. Based on the responses, women are more active than men in timing their electricity consumption (39% vs. 31%). Other popular methods include shorter sauna sessions (12%) and turning off lights in unoccupied rooms (27%).
“Finns have learned to make excellent use of electricity price fluctuations, which offers great opportunities to save on everyday expenses. Quarter-hour pricing enhances these opportunities even further. For example, the increasingly common automation of home heating remains just as effortless as during hourly pricing, but now it’s even more precise. Of course, not everyone wants or is able to adjust their usage or monitor electricity prices, which is why we at Helen continue to offer fixed-price products as well,” says Hintsa.
Study Methodology
Norstat conducted the survey on behalf of Helen via an online panel between September 17–25, 2025, targeting Finnish residents aged 18–75. The panel included 421 spot electricity users, and the margin of error for responses related to spot electricity is approximately ±4.8%.