New figures from Statnett show that the export of electricity has been reduced by as much as 75 per cent from southern Norway to Europe so far in July. – The power companies have recently said that they are holding back on hydropower, says Statnett’s head of communications, Christer Gilje. The production of electricity has not been as low for ten years in southern Norway as it was last week. – We are happy that it can appear that they have listened and are keeping the valuable water in the reservoirs, says State Secretary Elisabeth Sæther (Ap) in the Ministry of Oil and Energy. Exporting less power to Europe The export of power from Eastern Norway, Southern Norway and Western Norway has been reduced from 1.2 TWh in July last year to 0.3 TWh in July until 18 July. The export of electricity was as large in June as in June last year. Norway has exported electricity to Europe so far this year that corresponds to the consumption of almost 470,000 households, which is slightly less than last year. Net exports (exports minus imports) are 7.5 TWh from January to mid-July this year. At the same time last year, exports were 7.9 TWh. Source: Statnett State Secretary Elisabeth Sæther (Ap) says the government is doing what it can to ensure that people get through the electricity crisis in the best possible way. Photo: Naina Helen Jåma/NTB Considering demanding less export Although the export of electricity from Norway to Europe was reduced in July, large amounts of electricity are still sent from Norway every day. As yet, the probability of electricity rationing is small, but measures are still being considered. – Restrictions on the export of electricity to Europe may be one of the measures that is needed, says Sæther. Norway has already announced that it wants dialogue with other countries about this. Serious situation The Støre government is currently saying no to a maximum price for electricity, as France introduced earlier this year. The Red party is critical and says they will challenge the government again. – The duration of the electricity price crisis, combined with other rising prices, indicates that the government should take action. So says Sofie Marhaug, who sits on the energy and environment committee at the Storting for Red. The government says the maximum price is under consideration. But that could have unfortunate consequences in the serious situation we now find ourselves in, explains State Secretary Sæther. – We are afraid that a maximum price means that more water is drawn into the reservoirs, which we need for the winter. It is a serious situation. We must prevent ourselves from getting into a situation where we lack enough power this winter, she says. When can you get electricity support? Households receive electricity support when the average price is higher than 70 øre per kilowatt hour. Then 80 percent of the price is covered. Housing benefit has been extended. Students receive an extraordinary grant of NOK 3,000 if they can document electricity expenses. The municipalities have received more money to cover increased payment of social assistance due to high electricity prices. Sports teams and voluntary organizations receive a temporary grant due to extraordinary electricity prices. Electricity support is given to the agricultural and growing industry. The state covers 55 per cent of electricity that costs more than 70 øre per kilowatt hour. The electricity tax is reduced by 1.5 øre per kWh from April until the end of the year. Source: The Government Demanding for business The difference in electricity prices has never been higher than now. While a brewery in Røros had to pay over NOK 2 per kilowatt hour this week, competitors in Northern Norway paid only NOK 1.86 per kilowatt hour. – We treat northerners to cheap electricity, but such high prices in southern Norway are not sustainable in the long term, says the state secretary. She says the government is following the situation closely. – We have great understanding that it is a demanding situation. Companies throughout the country have recently demanded that drastic measures be taken. Points to the power producers The government is not coming up with immediate measures for business now, but the situation is being assessed continuously, says Sæther. – My hope is that more companies will switch to a fixed price relatively quickly. From 1 January next year, the government has announced a rule change that will make it easier for companies to get better agreements on fixed prices for electricity. – How low should the fixed price of electricity be? – You have to ask power producers that question. I have high expectations that they can deliver in this area, she says. The water is rising somewhat in the reservoirs in southern Norway. The Blåsjø magazine has also had less water than normal. Photo: Gunnar Morsund
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Big drop in electricity exports to Europe – the government is considering introducing restrictions – news Trøndelag
