There was an uproar when the smart meters were put into use. The reason was, among other things, that many feared they would become ill from radiation from the meter. And some feared they might be monitored. Now a new question is being raised about the meters: Should it be possible to turn off the power to hundreds of customers at a time? – There are a number of advantages to that, says Hilde Walmestad, head of customer and network operations at Lede. Both Lede and several other network companies want an easier way to cut off the electricity. Hilde Walmestad in Lede is one of several who have sent their input to NVE. Photo: Martin Torstveit When rationing today, electricity must be taken in a larger area at a time. But in such zones there may be important customers who need electricity. As it is today, all other customers in the same zone must therefore also receive electricity. But by using the power meter, you can disconnect everyone in the same place except important customers. Then it will be much easier, according to Walmestad in Lede. There may be rationing of electricity Both Norway’s Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE), the Minister of Energy and Statnett fear that there will be too little electricity in the spring. The chance of that happening is still small, but the grid companies have dusted off their plans for power rationing. According to the law, in that case life and health must come first. This means that the healthcare system, the police, the armed forces, important companies, water and sewage are given priority. Less important businesses, cabins and houses, on the other hand, may lose power for a few hours at a time. NVE and the minister will look at the proposal Today, it is not allowed to cut the electricity to many houses at once via the electricity meters. The reason is that Norway’s Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE) has previously said no, but now they will look at the matter again. – We have listened to these inputs, and it is something we will consider, but we have not started with that analysis yet, says section leader Ann Myhrer Østenby in NVE. Section leader Ann Myhrer Østenby in NVE emphasizes that the chance of rationing is still low. Photo: Ole Oskar Eriksen / news Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland has also heard about the proposal. He can’t say yes or no now. – NVE must first consider this, then I will take a decision on it when it comes to my desk. – What concerns do you see with the network companies wanting to disconnect customers via the electricity meters on a large scale? – The assessments the companies make must be in accordance with the guidelines in the national framework for this, he says. Homeowners react General Secretary Morten Andreas Meyer of the Homeowners’ National Association is upset that it is even possible that there could be rationing. He believes that in that case people must be protected. The minister has also promised that, but he cannot promise that households will be saved completely. – Our clear request to the government is that there must be requirements for a minimum water level in the reservoirs, says Meyer. Households use 29 percent of all electricity used in Norway, according to Statistics Norway. Meyer is therefore asking people to help save electricity this winter. “For all that, we must avoid switching off for periods,” he says.
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Network companies will shut off your electricity via the smart meter – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
