– Wrong measures can worsen the problem
The government has no new promises to businesses that are hit hard by the electricity crisis. The mayors have divided opinions about the fact that things take time.
Newsletter Get an overview of the week’s most important issues in Aftenpodden’s newsletter.
Today it became clear that Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland were to meet the Ap mayors digitally.
The Labor Party has quick meetings with the mayors once a month.
Southern Norway has been hit hard by high electricity prices recently. At this meeting, the topic is the electricity crisis, and the consequences it has for both business and ordinary people. Labor secretary Kjersti Stenseng wrote this in an SMS to Aftenposten earlier on Tuesday.
– A main priority
Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland says that he does not reproduce what is said at internal meetings.
– But my message to our mayors is the same as I have shared with the media in the past: This is a main priority for the government. We will continue to stand up for people.
He says that the situation is now demanding for many, both people and businesses.
– The government takes that seriously.
Aaslander to the measures that have been carried out.
He mentions, among other things, the scheme that reduces household electricity expenses, changes have been announced that it is beneficial to offer good fixed price agreements, other simplifications in the electricity market and new requirements for power producers.
– We have also announced that there will be more measures. At the same time, we assess the situation carefully, because wrong measures make the problem worse. It is important that we avoid that.
Kristiansand mayor: – We were told that it is urgent
Kristiansand mayor Jan Oddvar Skisland has previously spoken critically about the government’s electricity measures. After the meeting he says:
– It was a meeting with great commitment from the mayors. We sent a clear message that the electricity issue is important to us. A lot of people get inquiries from businesses and individuals related to the electricity problem, he says.
– This is high on the agenda for many mayors. Especially for us in the south-west region, because business here is bleeding profusely. There is no real support to be had for large and small businesses. And that was clearly communicated.
– What were you promised by measures?
– It was not a meeting to make promises. But our input was well listened to. Many mayors are concerned that it is urgent now. I experienced that that signal is taken by the government. I feel confident about that, says Skisland.
Haugesund mayor: Glad it’s taking time
Mayor of Haugesund, Arne Christian Mohn (Ap), is primarily reassured after the meeting.
– There was a lot of uncertainty ahead. But the government assures us that they would follow up on the support for the citizens, until the electricity crisis is over, says Mohn.
Several residents have feared that the electricity crisis will last until next year, but that the support will have a shorter time limit, says Mohn.
When it comes to solutions for SMEs, the government needs more time to find solutions. But that is exactly what Mohn is happy about.
– It is good that they make careful assessments, so that the tax money is used on those who hit it the most. It is wise not to withdraw a lot of money now that inflation is lurking, he says.
– Large production shortage
Mohn points to the more general support companies received during the pandemic. He believes the government is thinking correctly now.
– Then you could afford to make people redundant instead of producing. Now we see that there is a large production shortage in several companies.
Mohn hopes that a solution for the companies will be ready by the autumn city budget.
In the meantime, the power companies must find regional solutions.
– Several of the small businesses in Haugesund are struggling. I hope for a solution in a separate meeting with the power company next week, says Mohn.
Critic Flåthen calls for “management of the madness”
Former LO leader Roar Flåthen-leader writes that the responsibility lies with Støre and the government.
– We must get this madness under control, he told Aftenposten earlier on Tuesday.
He described the situation as extreme, and directed a question at Støre:
– What is it that makes the government unable to take action and clean up? he asks. – Have agreements been made so that we can no longer afford, for example, to have a separate price range for southern and western Norway?