diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 2f280ee..f91f84a 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ def init():
     publish_message("Cerbomoticzgx/system/shutdown", message="False", retain=True)
 
 def post_startup():
+    # set higher than 0 zero cost at startup until actual pricing is retreived
+    STATE.set('tibber_price_now', '1')
     # Reapply previously set Dynamic ESS preferences set in the previous run
     DYNAMIC_ESS_BATT_MIN_SOC = retrieve_message('ess_net_metering_batt_min_soc') or dotenv_config('DYNAMIC_ESS_BATT_MIN_SOC')
     DYNAMIC_ESS_NET_METERING_ENABLED = retrieve_message('ess_net_metering_enabled') or bool(dotenv_config('DYNAMIC_ESS_NET_METERING_ENABLED'))