electricity prices, Sylvi Listhaug | Listhaug reacts to the threat of bankruptcy: – It is painful

Nettavisen recently wrote about Reppens Bakeri, a flea market bakery in Flekkefjord that fears that the high electricity prices will break the bakery.

– If the trend with rising electricity prices continues, the bill this year will be over NOK 900,000. Then there is the hook on the door, said part owner Leif Reppen to Nettavisen, among others.

The animal park in Kristiansand risks NOK 12-14 million in increased electricity costs and describes the situation as dramatic.

Abandoned

FRP leader Sylvi Listhaug last week came out hard against the government if there is electricity rationing for the winter. In that case, the FRP considers no confidence in the Støre government. Confronted with the notice about Reppens Bakeri, Listhaug says:

– It is painful to see a traditional family business risk bankruptcy. Here, values ​​and products are created that people want, but it is the politicians who are responsible for the fact that it is almost impossible to operate with a profit due to energy prices.

Also read: The club leader lashes out at the passive LO management: – I simply think they are too cowardly

– We have a prime minister who has abdicated and announced that he does not intend to do anything to take control of power exports, says the FRP leader to Nettavisen.

She means that everything from ordinary workers in small local companies to large power-intensive industrial companies now feel the knife at their throats.

– I think it is completely incomprehensible that Støre and Vedum are only watching the bankruptcy collapse that has been announced, without taking measures that we know can prevent people from losing their jobs.

Also read: The electricity price can be over NOK 40 per kWh – but this scheme can save you

Competitive advantage

Listhaug is concerned that Norway’s biggest competitive advantage was cheap power. When Støre and Vedum refuse the companies this, she holds them directly responsible for the profits being lost, people being laid off and losing their jobs.

– And what do you do with it?

– It is obvious to FrP that Norwegian households and businesses must have access to electricity at predictable low prices. We cannot squander the only competitive advantage we have, therefore we want a maximum price for electricity for everyone, says Listhaug.

– That power prices in the country are so variable is unfair and distorts competition. Put to the extreme, two identical companies can make a profit in the north, but go bankrupt in the south due to the enormous price variations in electricity, says Listhaug.

She says Norway’s advantage has been cheap power. It was what helped to build the country and build up industry in the rural areas. It has again been important for developing our welfare society.

Absolutely extreme

Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland (Ap) refuted the criticism from Listhaug. Among other things, he told Nettavisen that he is happy that the Progressive Party is not in government and can implement its energy policy.

– When they were in government, they wanted further liberalisation, more foreign cables and even private cables. It would have been completely extreme in today’s situation, Aasland shot back.

But the responsible minister has also warned against that electricity prices can go “bananas”. It can happen if Russia does not supply gas to Germany.

The Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is currently undergoing maintenance. It is uncertain whether Russia will send gas through it when the planned maintenance is finished. To Aasland’s “bananas” comment, Listhaug says:

Also read: When electricity prices have already gone “bananas”, Aasland’s warning is legitimately late

Shouldn’t sleep well

– The Minister of Energy warns of a price crisis for electricity, while at the same time he does nothing concrete to prevent the crisis. It is happening while companies are announcing layoffs, dismissals and fearing bankruptcy. I don’t understand how Aasland can sleep well at night.

She repeats that if we get even higher electricity prices and a possible electricity rationing at the top, the FRP will consider submitting a motion of no confidence.

– We cannot stand by and watch Norwegian industry, cornerstone companies and most people be sacrificed, because Germany and several countries in Europe have pursued a totally irresponsible energy policy without realism.

Gotta wake up

The FRP leader therefore believes that people must now wake up and see what the result is of voting red-green. She says the crisis we are in now cannot be excused simply by the war in Ukraine or little rainfall in the mountains.

– It is a direct result of the politics Ap, Sp with their support wheels Sv and Høyre lead. Støre says outright that people have to “live with” the extreme prices of electricity and fuel, and he has no plans to change course, nor to take control of electricity exports.

– It is going to lead many Norwegian families and businesses into financial ruin. Støre and Vedum sit paralyzed and do nothing to help, thunders Listhaug.

– How will the FRP solve the electricity crisis?

– The FRP believes that a maximum price for electricity must be introduced, fuel taxes removed and food VAT halved. It is wrong for the state to become wealthy while ordinary people’s wallets bleed.

–