The Congress of Deputies approved the decree with the energy saving measures proposed by the Government. A range of offers that include both energy restrictions (thermostat restrictions in public places, closing windows and automatic closing of doors in stores) and consumer assistance (transport assistance and Renfe discounts). What measures are countries adopting in the European environment?
Germany
The government of Germany, one of the European countries most dependent on Russian energy, approved it last Wednesday. Heating of public buildings should be limited to a maximum of 19 degrees According to the news of Europa Press, common areas such as corridors, lobbies and machine rooms will be closed as of September.
Manager of Olaf Scholz in this series of measures prohibits night lighting of buildings and monuments as well as advertising facilities Places where lighting is done between 22:00 and 06:00 for purely aesthetic reasons. Individuals will also be subject to restrictions as they cannot heat swimming pools with gas and electricity, and energy companies will have to inform customers of expected consumption and possible savings measures.
These measures, many of which have already been approved by the municipalities of some cities, are now becoming mandatory at the national level.
France
Limiting heating and nighttime lighting will also guide the energy-saving measures proposed by the government of Emmanuel Macron. Advertising lighting should be turned off light signals from 1am and not strictly necessary (such as signaling in public places open at night).
Businesses should implement automatic closing of doors to maintain internal temperature, because this winter, the heating should not exceed 19 degrees, and the air conditioner should not exceed 26 degrees in the summer., under a fine of up to 750 or 1,500 euros, depending on the offense. The country of Gaul aims to reduce its energy consumption by 10% over the next two years.
In addition, the country of Gaul is trying to limit 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 such private flights.
Italy
The uncertain political environment Italy was going through did not prevent the government from preparing a series of energy-saving measures in line with other European countries.
Although Mario Draghi’s resignation has slowed the Italian executive’s actions, media such as ‘Corriere della Sera’ are waiting for some possible measures, including energy restrictions for homes (Limited heating to 19ºC, air conditioning to 27ºC, consumption time intervals and even lighting limitations) and for public spaces (shops close at 7pm and hotels close at 11pm). The goal is to reduce gas consumption by up to 20 percent in a country that imports 40 percent of its gas from Russia.
Portugal
Although there is still no official measure in the Portuguese country, nowadays the Portuguese press is getting a commission from the Ministry of Environment to conduct a study on the measures 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 aim of Europe, and especially the countries most dependent on Russian gas, is to reduce their consumption and dependence on imports from Russia. countries like Czech Republic and Slovenia move forward with measures to limit indoor temperaturesin line with Spain, in a move that was applauded by the European Commission president Úrsula von der Leyen a few days ago.
Greece also joined this measure by limiting the temperature to 27ºC in summer and 19ºC in winter. in a series of proposals that include strengthening 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 signaled to the rest of Europe that it cannot increase its current gas supply.