Europe is at war, the energy crisis requires immediate action. The first thing we need to do is save energy.
CHALLENGED: Government partner The Center Party wants to restrict electricity exports. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre should respond by calling for energy-saving measures. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet sea view
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Manager: This is an editorial from Dagbladet, and expresses the newspaper’s views. Dagbladet’s political editor is responsible for the editorial.
Published
Saturday, July 16, 2022 – 15:52
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The sky high electricity prices in southern norway are in themselves a motivation to save on consumption. True enough, the motivation of ordinary consumers and some others who receive electricity support is dampened. It is necessary, but should not be increased in a way that makes all savings incentives disappear.
When the energy situation is becoming critical in Europe, when the levels in the water reservoirs in southern Norway are very low, it is nevertheless time for the government in Norway to do more to encourage a reduction in electricity consumption.
Although the probability is low, there may be power rationing in winter. It underscores the need for you and me to cut consumption now.
INSECURITY: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre understands that many are worried about the fifties. Photographer in Madrid: Bjørn Langsem. Reporter in Madrid: Caisa Linea Hagfors. sea view
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The Danish Energy Agency in Denmarkthe Danish Energy Directorate, has recently sent out campaign materials with practical savings tips for use in our neighboring country. The background is simple and precise:
“It will help Danes save energy in a time of historically high energy prices and an uncertain energy supply to Europe.”
The energy nation Norway has been spoiled with ample and cheap electricity. It has made us slow down when it comes to energy efficiency. This point has been repeated for years, yet too little is happening. It is as if our historical special position makes us immune to taking on the need for power saving.
This summer, when the debate about low levels in reservoirs and high prices has subsided, the political reflex is that we must cut electricity exports abroad.
It is a delusion that this will solve our problems. Especially now. This summer, it is mainly river power and wind power that are exported out of the country, power that cannot be stored.
In addition, many years before we have been completely dependent on imports so as not to have too little power in this country – at the latest in 2019.
Norway will also within a few years approach a persistent power deficit, according to Statnett. The need for more power increases with the electrification of transport and industries.
Power saving is simply an absolutely necessary part of the everyday life we are entering. The potential is enormous. Only power savings in buildings could amount to 20 TWh – which corresponds to the entire Norwegian wind power development.
Energy saving requires policy measures, support schemes and long-term, planned work. It is still possible to start with a campaign to make the population aware. The circumstances are extraordinary. The lack of energy and the price gallop is mainly due to the fact that there is war in Europe. The opponent is the authoritarian rulers of Russia, which is also the continent’s largest supplier of energy.
In the spring, Oslo encouraged its inhabitants to save on water, and consumption fell by 10-15 percent. In the current situation, it is a sin not to try to do the same with the current. It’s urgent.
