Committed to building the controversial pylons and power cables between Sima and Samnanger by 2012, minister Riis-Johansen he firmly believes construction will solve Bergen’s power needs.

“I don’t think it would be prudent to delay this,” NRK reports him as saying.

His decision comes a month after the government’s four commissions, set up last year as part of a political U-turn following strong local and political protest, to make a new, independent review of the undersea cable option.

They concluded this option would be too expensive and, according to Prime Minister Stoltenberg, would probably lead to higher electricity bills.

“High electricity bills are already a problem for many people today. This means we must also take into account that the more expensive solution chosen, means the more one pays for electricity,” he said.

Today’s decision drew criticism from the Liberal Party (V), which believes the pylons would be “a massive attack on the classic Norwegian nature”.

Minister Riis-Johansen responded by attempting to reassure the Party construction companies would have to take this into account

“We can do more in Norway to reduce their visibility so the pylons will blend in better with the surrounding environment, and set them tougher requirements.”

Sveinung Valle, Labour’s (Ap) leader for Hordaland, applauded the government’s move.

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