The main capitals of the old continent impose measures similar to those approved in Spain and others more stringent, such as the end of hot water in sports centers and less lighting in streets and highways
Lamps on half gas, hot water failures and shop windows in the dark. Major European capitals have begun implementing energy-saving measures to reduce their dependence on possible cuts in Russian gas supplies.
In Spain, the government has launched a plan aimed at temperature limits – 27 degrees for air conditioning and 19 degrees for heating –, the mandatory closing of doors in air-conditioned buildings and the elimination of lighting in shop windows and public buildings that stop working after ten o’clock. being occupied. night. Measures similar to those taken in other countries around us have caused a stir among merchants, the service sector and the political opposition.
The lack of detail on how compliance will be monitored and especially the fact that specific sanctions have not been worked out – as has been done in other countries – has made the effectiveness of a program through which the Executive wants to contribute to the common goal of savings and efficiency.
Bruegel analysts estimate that Germany would have to cut its gas demand by 29% compared to 2021 to cope with a possible Russian supply freeze. Berlin was one of the first capitals to announce drastic measures, such as the nighttime blackout of some 200 monuments such as the Bradenburger Tor or the cathedral. Munich has gone one step further, keeping saunas closed since August 1 and no hot water in public offices. The same as in Hanover, where heating is only carried out between October 1 and March 31 – at a maximum of 20 degrees.
Hot showers and baths in gyms or public swimming pools are also a thing of the past. And there are mechanisms in traffic lights in less-traveled areas so that they go out when there’s no traffic.
As in the Spanish case, Emmanuel Macron’s government has proposed to darken the windows of shops and business premises. The rule is much more specific than the Spanish one and states that the measure applies from one o’clock in the morning (or one hour after the cessation of activity) until six o’clock. The limit for air conditioning will be 26 degrees.
In Paris, the city council already requires air-conditioned buildings to keep their doors closed, with fines of 150 euros for those who do not follow the rules. But Macron has proposed fines of up to 750 euros for the entire country. The ban on illuminated advertising, which until now only applied in cities with fewer than 800,000 inhabitants, excluding airports and stations, will also be extended. Anyone who does not follow the rules will be fined 1,500 euros, as explained this week by the minister of the branch, Agnes Pannier-Runacher.
The country has chosen to limit the temperature in public buildings to 25 degrees. But if the situation worsens, the darkening of street lights on some streets and highways is planned, or a reduction in light intensity.
In the same way, the monuments will be disabled and those who do not comply with the new rules will face penalties between 500 and 300,000 euros.
The country is much more dependent than others on the supply of Russian gas (it buys 65% of the oil and 85% of the gas it uses) or on European interconnections. Since 1 August last year, emergency measures have been in place for energy and the households that consume the most per kilowatt hour pay a higher price than the rest.
Under the motto ‘Insulate your home, isolate Putin’, the Belgian government has approved incentives to improve the energy efficiency of homes, with, for example, 6% VAT reductions for renovation works or the installation of solar panels. Likewise, the Greek star measure is based on a EUR 640 million investment program to improve the insulation of house windows.
‘Saving gas for a safe winter’. It is the name with which the European Commission christened its plan to reduce natural gas consumption by 15% between now and next spring. A roadmap that basically supports Spain because of the need to save, but not in the way that demands direct sacrifices from consumers.
In addition to the possibility of rationing if the situation with Russia gets complicated, the European Union’s plan is to reach a storage level of 80% of its capacity by 1 November this year, with the aim of preparing for a winter that harder than usual, in which an increase in demand could cause a shock given the lower expected supply. Also.
According to the latest weekly data published by GIE (Gas Infrastructure Europe), gas storage levels in Europe were already 70.54% full this week, up from the 70.32% average over the past five years. The data is also close to the average of the last ten years, of 71.40%, and if the current rate persists, it should be possible to reach the target for November.
In addition to improving storage levels, the European Union has also significantly reduced all of its imports of Russian gas.
In its latest Economic Bulletin published this week, the European Central Bank (ECB) notes that after supply restrictions to countries such as Bulgaria, Denmark or Poland in April and partial adjustments in other countries, “total EU gas imports from Russia in the last week of June showed a decrease of 65% compared to the previous year.
The agency recalls that the increase in liquefied natural gas imports and the use of other gas pipelines partially offset this reduction. But he warns that “there are still risks to supply,” precisely because storage levels are already beginning to pick up.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
