Most nations adopt measures similar to those of Spain to reduce consumption
The Congress of Deputies has approved the decree with the energy saving measures proposed by the Government. A series of proposals that include both energy restrictions (thermostat limitations in public places, turning off shop windows and automatic closing of doors in shops) and consumer aid (transport aid and Renfe discounts). What measures are countries in the European environment adopting?
Germany
The government of Germany, one of the European countries most dependent on Russian energy, approved last Wednesday specifying that the heating of public buildings must be limited to a maximum of 19 degrees starting in September, as well as turning it off in common spaces such as corridors, lobbies and machine rooms, reports Europa Press.
In this battery of measures, the executive of Olaf Scholz prohibits night lighting of advertising installations, as well as buildings and monuments where lighting is purely for aesthetic reasons between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Individuals will also be subject to restrictions, since they will not be able to heat swimming pools with gas and electricity, and energy companies will have to inform customers of the expected consumption and possible saving measures.
These measures, many of them already approved by the municipal governments of some cities, now become mandatory at the national level.
France
The limitation of heating and night lighting will also be the guideline in the energy saving measures proposed by the government of Emmanuel Macron. Advertising lighting must be turned off from 1 in the morning, as well as light signals that are not strictly necessary (such as signaling in public places open at night).
Businesses must implement the automatic closing of doors to preserve the interior temperature, since the heating may not exceed 19 degrees this winter, nor the air conditioning 26 in summer, under fines of up to 750 or 1,500 euros depending on the offence. The Gallic country aims to reduce its energy consumption by 10% in the next two years.
In addition, the Gallic country is studying limiting the use of private planes by individuals and companies for short distances (less than two hours) or when there are rail alternatives. It is estimated that around 10% of air traffic in France comes from this type of private flights.
Italy
The uncertain political climate that Italy is going through has not prevented the acting government from preparing a series of energy saving measures along the same lines as other European countries.
Despite the fact that the resignation of Mario Draghi has slowed down the action of the Italian executive, media such as ‘Corriere della Sera’ anticipate some of the possible measures, which include energy limitations for homes (heating limited to 19ºC, air conditioning to 27ºC, consumption time slots and even lighting limitations) and for public spaces (shops close at 7 p.m. and hotels close at 11 p.m.). The goal is to reduce gas consumption by up to 20% in a country that imports 40% of its gas from Russia.
Portugal
Although in the Portuguese country there are still no official measures, the Portuguese press these days picks up the commission from the Ministry of the Environment to carry out a study of the measures that are being taken in the rest of Europe to plan a package of measures adapted to the needs of the country.
Greece, Czech Republic or Slovenia
The objective of Europe, and especially of the countries most dependent on Russian gas, is to reduce their consumption and their dependence on imports from Russia. Countries like Czech Republic and Slovenia advance in measures to limit indoor temperaturesin the same direction as Spain, in a movement applauded a few days ago by the president of the European Commission, Úrsula von der Leyen.
Greece has also joined this measure by limiting the temperature to 27ºC in summer and 19ºC in winter in a series of proposals that include reinforcing the energy efficiency of buildings.
Meanwhile, Belgium and the Netherlands are planning trade agreements with Norway to import gas from Scandinavia. Norway is one of the world’s largest gas producers; however, the country has announced plans to limit electricity exports and has signaled that it cannot increase the current supply of natural gas to the rest of Europe.