On Friday, the government announced that it will spend NOK 3 billion on electricity support for businesses. It is assumed that the scheme will be able to help around 20,000 companies. – I am not completely impressed, says Gunn Anita Stenstad. She runs three popular inns in Midt-Telemark as finance manager in the Aarnes group. Next year, the company will have existed for 50 years. – We will continue for another 50 years, she says. See the Government’s proposal for an electricity package at the bottom of the case. Bus trip She has now gathered 20 people who will travel by bus to Oslo on Monday to take part in the demonstration. Several of these are customers. This is taking place at the same time as the Storting is to have a meeting on the electricity situation. Varden mentioned the bus trip first. – We must join the crowd to show that they must take business seriously. Many jobs can disappear, says Stenstad. In 2021, she paid NOK 70,000 in electricity. This year, the price was NOK 350,000. NOK 3 billion Although Stenstad is happy to receive support, she believes it is not enough. Companies that carry out energy mapping will be able to cover up to 25 per cent of the electricity price above 70 øre for the months October-December 2022. – I think 25 per cent coverage is a bit low. If you want to get 45 per cent, you must have the funds to invest, she says. The company is now planning to install solar cells as a measure. – It will help somewhat, but I am not very optimistic, says Stenstad. Demonstration It is expected that several companies will show up outside the Storting. The main initiator is Industriaksjonen, and the marking takes place in collaboration with the Facebook group “We who demand cheaper electricity”. According to Klassekampen, the requirements are the maximum price for the necessary consumption of electricity for households and industry. But also political control of power exports to ensure security of supply and renegotiation of the agreements in the foreign cables to England and Germany. Deputy mayor on bus trip Deputy mayor for the Center Party, Borgar Kaasa in Midt-Telemark, will join the bus to Oslo. – Are you going to participate in a demonstration against your own government’s electricity package? – I am not there to argue with my own government, but to listen to business and emphasize how important it is to take care of the national resources we have in a good way. Even with high electricity bills, Gunn Anita Stenstad believes in better times. – We have to get through this mess, she says. This is included in the package from the Government: Companies that carry out energy mapping will be able to get up to 25 percent of the electricity price above 70 øre covered for the months October-December 2022. Companies that also choose to invest in energy saving measures will be able to get up to 45 percent of the electricity price above 70 ear. The state guarantees 90 per cent of the amount in new bank loans to companies facing an acute lack of liquidity as a result of high electricity costs. The loan guarantee scheme will open in November and last until spring 2023, subject to approval from the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA). Companies that receive grants cannot withdraw dividends in 2023.
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Café owner in Telemark takes customers on a bus tour to demonstrate – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
