Centre, Socialist Left and Red parties reject government's proposed electricity price hike

In the upcoming state budget, the government proposes lifting the regulated electricity price from 40 to 45 øre per kilowatt hour, a change that would push annual bills for a typical family higher. Energy Minister Terje Aasland defends the increase, citing a sharp rise in spot prices and expectations of even higher future prices. Senterpartiet, represented by energy policy spokesperson Maren Grøthe, along with SV and Rødt, argue the price should remain unchanged and that the government should instead work to reduce overall electricity costs and the need for support schemes.

They point to strong state earnings from electricity exports and record export volumes last year. The parties also criticize the proposal as unnecessary for households during one outlet energy crisis. An analyst from Volue Insight, Tor Reier Lilleholt, says the government's cost estimate for the support scheme is likely too low. The Storting is expected to vote on the proposal soon, with opposition parties poised to reject it.