London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Dec 08, 2023

UK braces for even higher bills as Norway threatens electricity export cut

UK braces for even higher bills as Norway threatens electricity export cut

Water levels in southern Norway so low domestic consumers may be prioritised over international customers

British consumers could face even higher bills and potential energy shortages this winter after Norway threatened to ration electricity exports.

The UK receives hydroelectric power from Norway through a subsea interconnector cable running beneath the North Sea.

However, water levels in southern Norway have been so low this year that the country’s government could put its own consumers ahead of international customers.

Residents of the country’s capital, Oslo, have been asked to take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing their teeth as its reservoirs have been depleted by the dry weather experienced across Europe.

The oil and energy minister, Terje Aasland, told the Norwegian parliament on Monday that refilling dams will be prioritised over power production when levels fall below the seasonal average.

The move is a blow to the UK, as well as countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, which rely on cheap Norwegian hydropower. A 450-mile interconnector joins Blyth, Northumberland, to Kvilldal power station.

The €1.6bn (£1.35bn) North Sea Link cable, which was switched on last October, is able to channel up to 1.4 gigawatts of electricity between the two countries when demand is high in the UK and there is low domestic wind generation. This is enough to power about 5% of British homes.

Aasland said that electricity production in southern Norway was down 18% on last year and production in south-west Norway last week was the lowest seen this year so far.

He said: “This results in historically high electricity prices and a situation where, for the first time in many years, we cannot completely rule out a period of electricity rationing in the spring. But our professional authorities emphasise that the probability of this is low.”

Aasland said that rationing was unlikely to hit Norwegian households this winter, and that interruptions to supplies would most likely happen next April or May, primarily for businesses rather than consumers.

The move could prove a test of European cross-border solidarity as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine puts a strain on energy supplies. Countries have scrambled to stock up on gas ahead of the winter amid fears Vladimir Putin’s regime may shut off the gas taps to Europe.

In the UK, the business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, has moved to shore up energy supplies as concerns grow that Britain could face high prices or even blackouts if gas supplies are diverted elsewhere.

Consultancy Aurora Energy Research said a Norwegian electricity export cut could push wholesale power prices even higher but was “unlikely” to threaten security of supply.

Kit Malthouse, the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, said on Monday that the government was preparing hospitals for potential fuel shortages. He told TalkTV: “We need to make sure that all those hospitals that need access to power have their standby generators properly serviced, they’ve got diesel tanks full with diesel that might be required.

“The work they need to do to make sure that they’re resilient from a power and energy point of view has been done before we get to, say, November when the winter starts.”

Drax’s coal-fired plant in West Yorkshire and EDF’s West Burton A facility in Nottinghamshire have been put on standby to provide power as a contingency this winter. Aurora said that if the system operator, the National Grid, called on their services “this would cause power prices [in the UK] to rise, due to the higher costs of generating power using coal, compared to hydropower imported from Norway”.

The typical annual gas and electricity bill is already expected to reach £3,615 in October, according to the consultancy Cornwall Insight. Analysts fear this could top £4,000 early next year.

More than half of Britons are cutting back on their gas and electricity usage at home due to the worsening cost of living crisis.

Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
Close
0:00
0:00
Venezuela Steps Up Claim on Guyana's Essequibo Region
You Are So Beautiful
Spain's First AI Model Earns Up to $10,000 Monthly
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Spotify Plans Workforce Reduction of Nearly 20% Despite Reporting £55 Million Profit
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Former President Restricted from Leaving Ukraine Amid Alleged Plan to Meet Hungary's Viktor Orban
Sattahip Motor Show 20
Ikea Commits £10 Million for 2024 Pay Raises for UK Employees
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
Ant and Dec, our favorite jungle jesters, have thrown a curveball. They're suggesting a 'politician-free' season of 'I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!'
A kiss to build a dream on
Trump’s lawyers say he did not take an oath ‘to support the Constitution’
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Henry Kissinger, the influential American diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former Secretary of State, passed away at 100 at his Connecticut home.
Mean Blues
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Parnpreeb Commends ICRC's Role in Hostage Release
La Chansonnette
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
Pattaya Addicts
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
The political network founded by the billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch has endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential nominating contest
Dream a little dream of me
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's longtime investing partner, dies at 99
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
Robert De Niro told an awards ceremony a speech he was reading had been edited without his knowledge, removing critical comments about Donald Trump
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
Standard Chartered is in the early stages of a search for its next chair as the bank prepares for the departure of Jose Vinals, who’s entering his eighth year in the role
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
Eurostar to Suspend Amsterdam to London Service for 6 Months
Rondo Alla Turca
California is not considered a racist place. Or so it seems.
Kiss of fire
Sam Altman's return to OpenAI marks a significant turn of events for Microsoft and its relationship with the AI giant.
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Radical immigrants set on fire police cars and loot shops in Dublin.
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
The BBC Caught Again with Questionable Journalistic Standards, as Ugly Facts Undermine Its Attractive Yet Flawed Arguments
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
This video reveals that Target's Black Friday promotions are entirely fake, with no actual discounts. The prices before and after are identical!
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
Israel's Spokesperson Mark Regev's Response to Comparisons Between Palestinian Teenage Terrorists and Young Innocent Victims of Hamas Captivity
La vie en rose
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
Bill Gates Envisions a Possible 3-Day Work Week with AI
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
Viktor Orban's Provocative Assertions and Their Significance in Europe
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
Orban's Blunt Challenge to Brussels: Embracing National Sovereignty in Migration Policy
Only you (And you alone)
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
Strangers In The Night
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
Over 200 Convicted in Italy's 'Ndrangheta Mafia Trial
Summer time
In a scandalous revelation at the COVID-19 inquiry, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire for an alleged remark that suggests a chilling indifference to human life during the pandemic
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Abu Dhabi-Backed Fund Poised to Assume Control of UK's Telegraph Media Group
Aux Champs Elysees
Sam Altman and Greg Brockman Join Microsoft Amidst OpenAI Developments
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Reporters Without Borders Unveils News Platform to Counter Russian Propaganda
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
Singer Shakira will pay a fine of eight million euros after being accused of evading taxes worth 14.5 million euros during the years 2012-2014.
She
Hungary's Orbán Asserts Ukraine Is Far from EU Membership
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Racial Bias in AI Leads to Wrongful Arrest Due to False Recognition
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Orban Stresses Hungary's Need to Reform the EU Rather Than Exiting It
Radiohead - Creep
Biden Advocates for Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza and West Bank
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
Brigitte Macron Opens Up About Her Marriage to Younger President Emmanuel Macron
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
Apple and Disney Halt Ads on X Following Elon Musk's Antisemitic Post, US Reacts
Pentatonix Havana
Finland Shuts Four Crossing Points on Russia Border
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
YouTube has introduced an AI feature named Dream Track that can mimic the voices of celebrities such as Demi Lovato and John Legend, enabling users to compose brief songs by specifying lyrics and mood
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
AWS, Google, and Microsoft to Invest $8.5 Billion in Thailand
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
Top German journalist received €600,000 from Putin ally, leak reveals
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
A Dramatic Video from Gaza, Provided by IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Offers Undeniable Evidence of Hamas Establishing Terror Operation Bases Near Schools, Above Hospitals, and Inside Civilian Areas.
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×