The King of Norway has been sharing his energy saving tip. King Harald, along with Queen Sonja, is are currently on a late summer tour. But while they enjoy sunny weather, their minds were on the future and the looming fuel crisis. Addressing the issue as they spoke to the press, they had a clear message – the crisis must provide a chance to learn and to change old habits. King Harald said that he has no solution to the problems in Europe, with ever-higher prices. But he gave some tips to save on electricity.
His Majesty said: “Turn off lights you do not need to use. We have to be united about this, then it will probably go well. But I don’t have any solution on how to do it. At the moment nobody has, I think.”
Queen Sonja added: “I lived in Switzerland for two years, a long, long time ago. There, they saved on electricity all the time. You only had one light in each room and you showered once a week. We are flooded with light and warmth. I think we have a little benefit from thinking that it is possible to cut back a little. If everyone does a little bit, it also helps.”
For many decades, Norway has had much lower electricity prices than the rest of Europe, but this year the reservoirs for hydropower are at a record low due to drought. This has led to monthly records in high electricity prices in Norway as well. Norway also has a problem with its electricity consumption, which is 3 times higher than the average in other European nations.
The Norwegian Royal Court has also noticed rising electricity prices. Electricity expenses for the Royal Palace increased by 111 % last year, compared to the year before, according to the annual report, which came out in April this year. This corresponds to NOK 3.7 million. Figures for this year are not yet clear.
As early as 2003, by order of King Harald, electricity saving measures were initiated at Oslo Royal Palace and at the other royal properties. The heat in parts of the palace in the winter is now reduced so much that you cannot use parts of the building from December to March each year.
