A major electrical error by power company Linja has left 18 households in Ărsta, Norway, with destroyed appliances and mounting repair bills. The incident occurred when the company mistakenly pumped 400 volts into residential systems instead of the standard 230 volts, causing widespread damage to electrical equipment throughout the Engeset neighborhood.
Karen Røed, one of the affected residents, described the situation as "completely insane." She emphasized that this wasn't a natural disaster but rather a preventable human error. "The power company has simply messed up," she stated bluntly.
The voltage surge destroyed everything from kitchen appliances and heating systems to stereos and lighting fixtures. Many residents had to replace cooktops, heat pumps, ovens, lamps, and other essential household items. The financial impact has been severe, with some families facing costs reaching hundreds of thousands of Norwegian kroner.
Insurance companies are applying standard depreciation deductions based on the age of destroyed items, leaving homeowners to cover the gap between insurance payouts and actual replacement costs. This has created significant frustration among residents who argue that Linja should cover all expenses since the company has admitted full responsibility for the error.
Linja's acting CEO acknowledged the mistake in a public statement. "There is no doubt that we are responsible for the error and that the customers are blameless," he said. "We deeply regret what happened."
However, the company maintains that customers should work through their insurance providers for the fastest resolution, while Linja covers deductibles. This approach has left many residents dissatisfied, with six households already submitting formal claims against the company totaling approximately half a million kroner collectively.
The incident has unexpectedly strengthened community bonds in the Engeset valley. Residents who previously only exchanged brief greetings now gather for wine and conversation. "The solidarity here has become incredible," noted one resident, describing how the crisis has brought neighbors closer together.
Several families reported near-miss fire situations, with one dryer nearly catching fire and sulfur smells permeating homes. Many residents now worry about potential long-term damage to electrical systems within walls and the possibility of future electrical failures.
Insurance industry representatives explain that depreciation deductions are standard practice, calculated based on an item's age relative to its expected lifespan. They emphasize that insurance should cover economic loss without allowing customers to profit from claims.
Legal experts suggest that while insurance claims typically include depreciation, compensation claims against responsible parties might follow different rules. The Norwegian Consumer Council has weighed in, stating that affected customers deserve full compensation without depreciation deductions since the power company clearly caused the damage.
As the situation enters its fourth month, residents remain determined to pursue their claims. Many are considering legal action if Linja doesn't meet their demands for full compensation. The case highlights ongoing tensions between corporate responsibility, insurance industry practices, and consumer rights in Norway's regulated power sector.