MADRID (dpa-AFX) – The energy saving plan introduced in Spain because of the Ukraine war is showing its effects. In the past week, electricity consumption fell by 8.6 percent compared to the same period last year, the state television broadcaster RTVE reported on Monday, citing the government in Madrid. Compared to the previous week, the decline was even 9.5 percent. This value was 3.7 percent in the first week after the measures came into force.
The larger savings are “due to greater social awareness and better implementation of the measures,” a government spokesman was quoted as saying by RTVE. In principle, the measures taken by the left-wing minority government should remain in effect until November 1, 2023. But they have to be approved by Parliament on Thursday. The approval was uncertain as of Monday. The conservative opposition plans to vote against unless there are several changes.
With this first austerity package and other decisions that are to be taken in September, Spain wants to fulfill the commitments made under the EU emergency plan. Like other governments, Madrid initially opposed the plan, but ultimately approved it after making concessions. Accordingly, Spain should reduce its gas consumption by 7 to 8 percent, while most other EU countries should save 15 percent.
Since August 10, all public facilities in Spain, as well as department stores, cinemas, offices, shops, hotels, train stations and airports, have been allowed to cool their premises to no less than 27 degrees. However, shops with employees who are particularly physically demanding, such as bars and restaurants, can set the air conditioning systems up to 25 degrees. In winter, the interiors can be heated to a maximum of 19 degrees.
Among other measures, shops and establishments with automated systems must keep their doors closed to prevent the escape of heat or cool air, depending on the season. The lighting of unused offices, shop windows and some monuments must be switched off after 10 p.m. Several regional governments complained that this would lead to less consumption and more insecurity./er/DP/ngu