France
In a broad effort to curb unnecessary energy use, France is moving toward a decree that will ban air conditioning in shops and offices with open doors. The directive also imposes limits on illuminated advertisements during part of the morning hours. This aligns with earlier city-level bans that emerged during last summer’s heatwaves, when many municipalities saw energy stress and began testing stricter controls. The national plan seeks to extend these measures nationwide, backed by penalties for non-compliance. The proposed fine is up to 750 euros in some cases, with additional provisions shaping how lighting in commercial spaces is managed. The policy applies to large cities and smaller communities differently, based on population and local regulations.
Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher emphasized that leaving doors open while climate control systems are active raises consumption by about 20 percent, a practice she called both wasteful and avoidable. The government plans to engage with businesses across sectors to reduce avoidable consumption rather than hard-driving penalties alone. As a practical step, a crisis-energy protocol was announced to take effect mid-October, involving the distribution sector and aiming to cut electricity use. Measures include keeping stores’ heating at lower settings and turning off or dimming lights when premises are closed in winter, with the target of gradual, sustainable reductions in energy draw.
The government is also pursuing a broader energy conversation, urging generators and service providers to participate in a transparent dialogue about consumption and reliability. A census of energy-intensive sectors will help tailor actions and minimize outages next winter, with the aim of informing both companies and households about the most effective steps to curb usage. Tariffs that encourage lower consumption are expected to be part of the strategy, and energy suppliers will be asked to communicate clearly about prices and incentives.
As for other policies, officials did not offer specific forecasts about further speed changes on highways or other nationwide transport rules. The focus remains on reducing electricity demand through coordinated actions across commerce, industry, and public institutions, backed by a structured approach to monitoring and adjustment. The emphasis is on practical, achievable reforms that can be implemented quickly while maintaining essential services and comfort for residents and workers.
United Kingdom
In May, the British government unveiled a package designed to help households manage a steep rise in energy bills. The plan totals around 15 billion pounds, with a broader program that extends support to about 37 billion pounds for the most vulnerable families. Funding comes in part from a provisional 25 percent tax on oil and gas profits, though electricity is exempt. An 80 percent investment allowance was introduced to spur capital expenditure on energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
Assistance includes a one-time payment of 760 euros for low-income households, with pensioners and disabled individuals also receiving targeted amounts. The energy bill relief is expected to lower costs for households as winter approaches, and the government estimates that millions of households will benefit from these measures.
Authorities have not issued formal guidelines that would restrict supply or impose broad energy-saving rules nationwide. The United Kingdom remains less dependent on Russian gas and continues to pursue energy independence. Recently, authorities approved the development of a new nuclear facility at Sizewell C in Suffolk, to be operated by EDF. The project is part of a longer-term strategy to diversify energy sources and improve resilience.
Italy
Italian officials are crafting an energy-saving plan that could take effect if Moscow cuts gas supplies significantly. The plan envisions measures to limit family, business, and public institution consumption if needed, with mid-July as a potential starting point. In practical terms, cities could experience up to a 40 percent reduction in public lighting, with early closing times for stores and offices and limits on thermostat setpoints. The aim is to manage demand during peak stress periods while preserving essential services and comfort.
Under the framework, energy-intense companies may face temporary power outages, with consideration given to strategic reserves. The initiative also contemplates a cautious increase in coal power use if needed to maintain energy security during periods of tight supply. While the plan emphasizes reduced consumption, it also acknowledges the need to balance reliability and economic activity across the country.
Germany
Germany has faced sustained calls from government officials to curb natural gas use as the country works toward a reliable storage level by the winter season. The objective is to maintain a reserve near 90 percent, with readiness to respond to various supply scenarios, including potential economic disruption. A comprehensive energy-saving package has been introduced, outlining steps to review home heating systems, reduce gas use in public buildings and workplaces, and minimize emissions across administration and industry. In public and corporate spaces, recommendations include turning off heating in corridors and lobbies where feasible.
Public statements from the economy minister highlighted tensions within coalition partners over certain measures, such as water-saving recommendations that sparked debate. Nevertheless, the broader effort has produced tangible results: the Federal Network Agency reported a notable drop in gas consumption, though officials say further reductions are needed to meet targets. The government continues to pursue reductions that protect households and industry while aiming to avert shortages and inflationary pressures.