LVK is a Norwegian organization for hydroelectricity producing municipalities. The primary mission is to protect the municipalities’ interests in matters that concern development of hydroelectric power. LVK is politically neutral and will not take a position on whether it is for or against development of hydroelectric power.
The object of the organization
The organization assists its members (local municipalities) in hydroelectric policy issues. LVK provides technical and legal assistance within new developments of hydroelectric power, upgrading/ expansion of existing power plants, conditions for concession for acquisition of hydropower resources, reversion of the watercourses' ownership to the public, revision of terms, questions about taxes and fees, sales of power, concession fees and concession power (the municipalities’ share in power generation).
The Norwegian model
In Norway waterfalls is a private property right. However natural resources are in general communal property, and the right to regulate the waterfalls is seen as a public right. In 2009 the Norwegian parlament adopted a new Act - which provide that the concession for acquisition of hydropower resources are only to be given to public owned companies.
Norway are rich in natural resources, such as fish, waterfalls / waterpower, oil and gas. A land rich in natural resources does not necessarily lead to a prosperous society. The institutional system established to protect national values is of crucial importance. The institutional system in Norway is advanced and provides profit sharing between the producer, the state and the local municipalities.The affected areas - represented by the loacal municipalities - are secured a part of financial benefits in the legislation.
The need to organize
Legislation alone is not sufficient to ensure that local communities in affected areas get their share of profits.The affected areas and the local municipalities knows a continuing battle must be fought to maintain rights and positions established.
Member municipalities
In total there are 172 members of LVK - predominantly located in mountain regions. These municipalities cover 63 % of Norway’s surface area and contain 17 % of the total population (total 4,8 mill). This indicates that it is mainly the districts that are represented in LVK.
The organization
LVK is one of Norways most successful special interest and lobbyist organizations. LVK's success is in part due to close and effective interplay between two cultures. The organisation's centre-of-gravity and political force is the representatives for the 172 outlying and industrial municipalities and their political network. The organization's professional and administrative expertise consists of lawyers found in a specialised law firm in downtown Oslo.
LVK has no permanent employees accept for the leader. This contributes to a cost-effective operation, where relevant issues are given priority.
Future
The hydroelectric policies are also likely to be central in the future. The different inquiries require a particular expertise and it is not expected that each single municipality has a thorough kowledge on these matters.
Local communities contribute to necessary and valuable energy production with their local natural resources. The organization will ensure that local communities affected areas get their share of profits from the energy production.
The leader of the organization is Børre Rønningen, from the municipality of Vinje.
For more information, please contact our secretariat.