Power exports must benefit Norwegians and Norway

In recent years, electricity prices have been unstable and sometimes completely unrecognizable to us Norwegians. At the same time as wallets around the country are getting thinner due to inflation and interest rate increases; electricity has also become more expensive overnight. The result has led to negative ripple effects and costs for Norwegian business and private finances.

The myth that this is only due to the war in Ukraine is not true. The brutal truth is that it is rooted in the policies of the state and the power companies, in addition to the European policies that are being pursued.

Yes, war has had an effect, but the power deficit in Europe was expected when Germany began to bury its power generation. The fact that Norwegian interests were sidelined for a higher water value, which also contributed to marked changes in Norwegian electricity prices, was and is problematic.

The power cables to foreign countries give us advantages when we can bring in cheaper power. The problem is that, by and large, it is the other way around. The price contagion is a reality, and rather than demand higher taxes or that Europe should bear a larger share of the cost of our exports, the governing apparatus compromises with the Energy Act and Norwegian interests.

The recently published NOU concerning Norway and the EEA shows that we have a greater room for maneuver than what we use; among other things when it comes to energy policy and negotiations with the EU. It is still of little help that we have room for action, when it is not used to win.

It is no secret that energy demand in Norway and Europe is going to increase. This will require new power generation, and precisely for this reason KrF will expand nuclear power, as well as improve the existing hydropower plants. Not only is it effective, but it will also serve Norway’s country best.

Cooperation with Europe must also benefit our business, our industry and our nature when it comes to energy and transition. Here, AS Norge’s interests cannot be undermined, or come at the expense of energy supplies to southern regions. Changes must be made to how Norway chooses and exports electricity. The Norwegian supply needs must first and foremost be secured. The business community and local communities should not bear the brunt of the fact that Europe cannot, or will not, adapt.

When the coal-fired power plants in Europe are in full operation, at the same time as we produce green energy, we can rightly demand that they take a greater part of the socio-economic costs of the power supply. Norway will be able to have a comparative advantage if we are able to facilitate nuclear power and green energy that not only delivers in terms of efficiency and kWh, but also takes into account Norwegian nature and Norwegian health.

Not only that, when we talk about economic gain, Norway should consider whether the electricity should be sold in Norwegian kroner rather than euros. Not only would it strengthen the Norwegian economy and currency, but also our future prospects.

We cannot have it so that the socio-economic costs are shifted onto Norwegian consumers and businesses. The cost should not just fall on our shoulders.