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ARCHIVED - Spain announces public energy-saving restrictions to reduce consumption
The hospitality industry, shops, banks and offices in Spain will join the public sector in saving energy on air conditioning
The Spanish government has announced a new energy saving plan that will officially be approved on Monday August 1 in response to the European Union’s request that all nations drastically reduce their consumption in anticipation of a winter gas shortage.
Last month, Brussels warned that member states would be forced to reduce their overall energy usage by 15% if Russia decided to cut off its gas supply later this year. Spain dug its heels in, insisting that the general public wouldn’t be subjected to restrictions, and instead agreed to try to cut usage by 7%.
The new decree law will bring services like banks, public transport, shops, bars and restaurants in line with the measures imposed in administration buildings since May: air conditioning systems will be allowed to operate at a limit of 27ºC while heating must remain below 19ºC if being used in the colder months.
For the moment, these measures are just a suggestion for private homes, but the government will be launching a campaign shortly to encourage private citizens to cut down on their energy consumption.
The Spanish government also plans to impose a work from home rule on its officials and will endeavour to control lighting, including illuminations in public places at Christmas.
"Saving energy is everyone's task and it is a priority", President Sanchez said, stressing that lowering our energy bills will contribute to “reducing dependence on the aggressor, Putin, and to flattening the inflation curve."
Perhaps to hammer home the point, the usually suited and booted Pedro Sanchez turned up to the Federal Committee over the weekend to discuss the energy saving measures in his shirt sleeves and without a tie – although he did put on his suit jacket when it was his turn to speak. The president urged private sector companies to relax their office dress codes so that people can be cooler and more comfortable at work, thus cutting down on the need for air conditioning.”
“I’ve asked ministers and other key public workers not to wear a tie unless they think it’s necessary,” he explained, adding that he doesn’t plan to wear one for the rest of the summer.
“Because, that way, we’ll all be doing our bit towards saving energy,” he concluded.
At the height of the heatwave in July, the Spanish government also encouraged private homes and businesses to go easy on the air conditioning to conserve energy and reduce electricity bills.
Image: Pedro Sanchez on Twitter
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