The case in summary The Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority has notified Telenor, Telia and Convene that they must reduce their invoice fees, otherwise they risk weekly fines of up to NOK 3 million. This comes after many inquiries from consumers about high invoice fees, and the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority believes that the companies charge more in fees than the actual costs of issuing invoices. The companies have been given until 18 January 2024 to respond to the notice. All respond that they must respond within the deadline. The Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority has previously sent out similar warnings, and one of the companies, ICE, has already reduced its invoice fee. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – We have received many inquiries from consumers about invoice fees. According to the regulations that came in January this year, we believe this is serious, says director Trond Rønningen of the Norwegian Consumer Protection Agency. Companies cannot charge more in invoice fees than it costs to produce and deliver the invoice. But here there are many who sin, according to Rønningen. Trond Rønningen says the companies have until 18 January 2024 to respond to the notice Photo: Theo Aasland Valen / news Trond Rønningen says the companies have until 18 January 2024 to respond to the notice Photo: Theo Aasland Valen / news – Some companies have after in our opinion too high invoice fees. Higher than what they are allowed to charge. In a series of reports, news has put the spotlight on companies that charge NOK 70-80 in fees for sending paper invoices to their customers. – Little man’s fight against the troll Jan Petter Nielsen has previously approached news about the high fees. He is surprised when he sees the notice of million fines. – It’s nice to see that we can reach out to these major players in society. It’s “the little man’s fight against the troll”, he says, and adds: – They get their act together, and we as consumers think of this as the closest you get to fraud when they just shovel in big fees. Jan Petter Nielsen says he is satisfied that the Consumer Protection Authority is taking the matter seriously. Photo: Sunniva Linjord / news Jan Petter Nielsen says he is satisfied that the Consumer Protection Authority is taking the matter seriously. Photo: Sunniva Linjord / news He thinks it is a good thing that the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority is addressing the problem. – I think that the size of the fines reflects the seriousness. Prohibits high fees If the companies do not comply with the banning decision, there are fines ranging from NOK 1.3 to 3 million per week. – And what happens to many other companies, electricity, telecommunications, toll and parking companies, who also demand very high invoice fees? – We expect them to also adjust now in line with what we arrive at. In the new year, we will look at other industries and other players who will continue this work, says the director of the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority. This is how the companies respond: Ric Brown Head of private market at Telenor. – Telenor takes the warning seriously. We have previously made thorough assessments that our practice is legal, but will undertake a new review to see if there are new considerations to be taken. Brown says they understand that some customers struggle with digital solutions. He encourages those who need help to contact customer service. – We want to help as many customers as possible switch to digital solutions. At the same time, a free invoice solution is offered for non-digital customers. Daniel Barhom Head of Information at Telia. – We register that the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority disagrees with us regarding the legality of the current paper invoice fee. And we will now assess the arguments they bring forward and respond to the notification within the deadline. He says Telia does not want to send out paper invoices. – We therefore encourage our customers to choose an electronic invoice solution. It’s simpler, free of charge and better for the environment. Ingvill Hestenes Managing director of the company Convene. Convene also says they have received the notification, but points out that no decision has yet been made. The company that supplies self-service solutions for payment and administration will review the notification carefully and promises to respond within the deadline. – Independently of the inquiries from the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority, we have been working on changes to our solutions for a long time. The new solution can be put into use early in 2024, and includes a reduction in the fee. Hestenes say they will adapt to the guidance given by public authorities. At the same time, the company has a different view of how the regulations should be understood. – We have always believed that our practice is in line with the rules. We are therefore satisfied that we can make our input before the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority makes a final decision on the matter. Has reduced the fee It is not the first time that similar notices have been sent out about daily fines. ICE is one of the companies that has already reduced its invoice fee, says the director of the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority. – It is an amount that we believe is in line with the regulations, and it is a much lower amount than what the others have. – Do you think the others will also do it? – It is too early to say. Now they have until 18 January to give their views on the matter, and then we will assess it against the regulations, Rønningen replies. Hi Thank you for reading. Do you have tips or input for this matter or other things we should write about? Feel free to send me an email!
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The Consumer Protection Authority warns of fines in the millions for illegally high invoice fees – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
