Denmark news round-up: Power price spike and tax updates

Electricity prices in Denmark will spike on Monday evening. Prices will reach over seven kroner per kilowatt hour. This is the highest price in almost two years. The peak will occur between 6pm and 9pm. Energy provider OK blamed high gas prices and calm weather. Spokesperson Troels Skipper advised turning off non-essential appliances. He suggested waiting until Tuesday night to charge electric cars. Prices will then fall to 1.5 kroner per kilowatt hour.

Five Danish municipalities received permission to raise income taxes next year. Residents in Hørsholm, Holstebro, Odder, Morsø, and Hjørring will pay more tax. The combined tax increase totals 194 million kroner. Hørsholm and Holstebro will see the largest tax hikes. Meanwhile, five other municipalities will lower their local taxes. Gentofte, Gladsaxe, Allerød, Rudersdal, and Frederikssund will reduce taxes by 98 million kroner. Municipal taxes help fund local schools, childcare, and road maintenance.

The Danish government wants to raise the monthly Arne pension payout. The payout will increase from 15,650 to 18,745 kroner. Ministers also plan to lower the age limit below 65 years. The scheme allows long-term workers to retire early. In another update, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk rebranded as Novo. The firm changed its slogan to "Lasting health starts now". It flipped its historic bull logo to face right.

On Monday morning, a fire broke out on a cruise ship in Rønne. Crews evacuated 320 passengers in the Bornholm harbour. Firefighters quickly put out the fire, and no one was hurt. Finally, autumn weather will bring rain showers to Denmark this week. Tuesday will be the warmest day with temperatures up to 21 degrees. Thursday and Friday will be the wettest days.