FRP leader Listhaug has taken a hard line against the government and LO about the record high energy and fuel prices. She tells Nettavisen that she considers distrust of the government if it goes towards a power rationing for the winter.
Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland (Labor Party) tells Nettavisen that he thinks Listhaug in his analysis does not include the entire dramatic background for the situation we have now found ourselves in.
– I hope to avoid rationing. Every day since I took over the ministerial responsibility, we have taken concrete measures to strengthen Norway’s position as a future energy nation. We focus on onshore wind power and make a huge investment in offshore wind,
– We have handled the situation with extremely high electricity prices, where households have had their electricity costs reduced through the electricity subsidy, says Aasland.
Also read: Danger of power rationing – this is how it will be in practice
Can be continued
This support is basically valid until March next year. The Minister of Petroleum and Energy says that if there is a need to continue the support due to unreasonably high electricity prices, he is in favor of it. People need to feel safe.
– Then we have a European, if not a global energy crisis. There is a lot of uncertainty that is exacerbated by what is happening in Ukraine. This will have a direct consequence for Norway, which will be an important supplier of oil and gas in the future.
– We handle the current situation now against this background image. If there is one thing Listhaug should have distrusted, it is the terrible war in Ukraine. It is a strong driver of the situation.
Aasland says he has received promises in the EU. The EU is concerned that Norway will develop its oil and gas resources in after 2030. The Minister will not give any guarantees about electricity rationing, but says:
Also read: NVE with good news for worried Norwegians
Worse with Frp
– NVE has the best knowledge here and has said that the probability of rationing next spring is low. Then I am very happy that the Progress Party has not been able to implement its energy policy.
– When they were in government, they wanted further liberalization, more foreign cables and even private cables. It would have been quite extreme in the current situation.
– But it seems that we are dependent on wet weather ahead for this to go well?
– The best thing is to get more water in the reservoirs, that we get precipitation as normal throughout the summer and autumn. We now see the result of the snowmelt, and I wish I had more water in the reservoirs.
– We are prepared for further measures, but the power system is very complex, where it is not just a matter of turning on some buttons. There are many considerations to take.
Deficit
– Why is it so difficult to set requirements for a minimum degree of filling before we export?
– If we set such requirements, such types of decisions will increase electricity prices, because there will be less power in the system. Such absolute demands can also, in the time we are now in, lead to a power deficit.
– There must be flexibility, but where energy security has first priority. I have asked the electricity producers to report on the use of the water reservoirs, and I assume that what goes out of the reservoirs either goes to minimum water flow or energy security.
– You call on the power producers, but what control do you really have with them?
– I have asked for clear reporting from them and that they are aware of their social responsibility. The purpose of the Energy Act is very clearly defined, the producers have a significant responsibility, says the Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
Must deliver
Norwegian electricity producers have a social responsibility to ensure that they can supply electricity to Norwegian users. They have a great responsibility to ensure that we have water for the winter.
– More people are calling for direct electricity support to companies?
– It is the Minister of Trade and Industry who must consider this. I am concerned about a good scheme that allows households to reduce electricity costs, which I believe the electricity subsidy clearly contributes to.
Parliamentary deputy leader Geir Pollestad at his government colleague the Center Party has called for measures to limit electricity exports.
– We follow the measures we believe are correct to follow and consider further measures, comments Aasland.
Also read: Helene and her family take action on the electricity crisis: – Must have a plan B for the winter
Precious
Norway is bound by international agreements. Aasland says that both the EEA agreement and the previous government’s agreement on two new foreign cables are basically there.
– But we can get into a situation with export restrictions if the considerations of energy security indicate that it is precarious in the energy system. It is not a line we can put here, but if the situation gets worse and unfortunate in the future, we can put restrictions.
Aasland says that we are entering a time of need for power imports, a time marked by uncertainty in Europe and the war in Ukraine. Norway can no longer restrict gas exports. We must ensure high uptime and high gas production, as the goal is to make Europe more independent of Russia.
Listen to NVE
But both Rødt and SV are considering calling in Aasland to the Storting if the situation worsens over the summer. The Minister wonders.
– I can not see what measures the Storting can decide on that we are not already working on. I think we are wise to listen to the professional authorities with the best insight, and that is NVE.
Aasland repeats that they have said that the probability of power rationing is small, and that the situation has improved in the past week.
– If we get normal weather throughout the summer and autumn, the landfill will increase. But it is also important that the electricity producers hold back, so that we have enough electricity for the winter.
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