The stream price records have been in the queue for the last few weeks. On Monday between 7 and 8 p.m., the power price reached a historic record. In south-west Norway, the price including taxes was over NOK 10 per kilowatt-hour. Now the municipality of Etne in Sunnhordland has found itself forced to take measures to deal with the galloping electricity expenses. – We are trying to turn down the temperature in a number of municipal buildings. And I will make sure that the light is turned off. And we are investigating where we can switch to led lights, says Mayor Mette Heidi Bergsvåg Ekrheim (Sp). The temperature will be 19 degrees. – But of course this must happen in responsible ways. We have elderly and sick people in some of our buildings. In patients, the temperature will be as normal. People should not sit and freeze. We turn down the heat in buildings such as the municipal hall, schools and kindergartens where it is advisable to have a lower temperature. The municipality is also considering reducing the number of hours with street lights at night. Operating operator Alf Morten Gravelsæter in Etne municipality controls the heating at Enge school from a computer. Now they have turned down the temperature. Photo: Olav Røli / news Fearing the winter Several municipalities in the area – such as Sveio, Fitjar and Bømlo – are considering urgent power saving measures. In the last three months alone, Etne received an electricity bill of NOK 1.5 million. It is twice as high as in the same period last year. The mayor fears what will happen over the winter. – In the summer, with schools and nurseries closed, consumption is lower than at other times of the year. It goes without saying that our consumption will multiply over the autumn and winter, she says. Oddlaug Haugland Lind-Hansen believes the enormous price differences for electricity within Vestland county are unreasonable. Photo: Olav Røli / news Spoiled Norwegians At the same time, the Etne mayor emphasizes that energy savings must be made, regardless of today’s record prices. – Electricity is hardly good, so it is important that we learn some electricity-saving measures that we can take with us into the future. We Norwegians have often been spoiled by wearing a t-shirt indoors during the winter. Ekrheim does not take a dim view of adjusting the thermostat down at work. – We have a lot to learn from people in other European countries who wear a jacket and don’t sit in a t-shirt all year round. Newspaper Sunnhordland writes that Stord municipality has spent over 7 million more in electricity expenses so far this year, compared to the same period last year. Mayor Gaute Straume Epland (Ap) informs news that there is currently no need for emergency measures. SAVE: Etne municipality saves on electricity. Photo: Olav Røli / news At least 19 degrees is recommended – In the Working Environment Act there are no clear temperature limits for indoor climate, says chief engineer Kari Mork at the Norwegian Working Environment Authority. But the inspectorate recommends that the temperature is not below 19 or above 26 degrees. – Below 19 degrees, many will freeze or feel uncomfortable. And in a job where dexterity and precision are important, it can become difficult if it gets too cold, says Mork.
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Etne municipality must turn down the temperature and turn off the lights – news Vestland
