The dispensation will allow Statnett to raise the preparedness level for the reserve power plants, so that Statnett itself can make the decision to start the reserve power plants in just a few hours if an operational interruption or difficult operating situation should arise in the power system.

"The fact that Statnett can now raise the level of preparedness for the reserve power plants and bring them online quicker provides better security of supply for households and customers in Central Norway," says Auke Lont, President and CEO of Statnett. "The energy situation in Central Norway is　alert due to low water levels in the reservoirs, making the region even more dependent on imports and vulnerable to outages. This gives us a new tool in the event of outages," Lont continues.　"Increased preparedness in the reserve power plants and use of these can reduce the risk of Statnett having to impose restrictions on consumption during a difficult operating situation or operational interruption," Lont concludes.

Security of supply and not the power price will remain the deciding factor for whether the plants go online. The dispensation from the current licensing conditions applies until 31 May 2010.