The Government assists with the electricity bill

The Government proposes to assist households receiving state housing allowance by providing an extra payment towards the high electricity bills that will be arriving. This is a helping hand for people who struggle financially, says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Liv Signe Navarsete.

On 14 Janaury 2011 the Government introduced a proposal to the Parliament to provide the approximately 125 000 households receiving state housing allowance a total of an extra 318.5 million kroner toward their electricity bills.

"November was one of the coldest months in a long time, and the severe cold has continued through December and January in much of the country. At the same time the electricity prices have increased. Many will now face high costs associated with heating their homes. This is especially challenging for those struggling financially", says Navarsete.

Each household will receive 2500 kroner for their first member, and another 100 kroner for each additional household member. For example, a family of two adults and three children will receive 2900 kroner. The extra payment will arrive at the beginning of March.

The state housing allowance assists those who have low incomes and high housing costs.

•  The payment is distributed as follows (pdf). 

 For more information, contact the press centre at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on tel. +47 22 24 25 00.