Theresa Ribera, the Third Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Ecological Transition, signaled that fines would not be issued immediately in public spaces that fail to meet energy-saving measures. She insisted there must be a grace period for owners to comply with the regulations before penalties are considered.
Yet Ribera added that if days pass without progress or if a serious issue arises because mass action has not been implemented somewhere, the Executive will intervene promptly by contacting the relevant autonomous community without waiting months or weeks.
According to the minister, the steps to limit thermostat settings and close shop windows in certain public spaces constitute a phase of the energy-saving plan that became effective this Wednesday. The aim is not punishment but a clear signal that everyone should contribute to the collective effort.
Government displays resolve on energy savings while attributing obstacles to the PP
While larger spaces and big firms are expected to have the resources to move quickly, Ribera acknowledged that smaller businesses may face doubts or hurdles. In those cases, a margin is appropriate, and no immediate fines are anticipated. The plan envisions a warning first, followed by proportionate measures to understand why compliance has not occurred and to address any gaps.
Compliance monitoring is planned, but authorities prefer to avoid automatic sanctions. If considerable time passes with no progress, officials will reassess available resources and the potential for jurisdictional friction should the district administration appear unwilling to enforce the rule.
Verification in Congress
The head of Ecological Transition also explained why Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez did not invite regional leaders to a conference, as the PP had requested. He stated that there is no contingency plan on the table and recalled that Sánchez has already suggested several approaches on the matter. Regional authorities were urged to send proposals and to use proper channels of information for coordination.
The government resists withdrawing the energy-saving plan at the urging of the People’s Party
The minister argued that parliamentary groups should back the ratification of the royal decree in the Congress of Deputies. He described the opposition’s involvement as a strategic, continuous maneuver rather than a straightforward push.
The stance was particularly pointed toward the Community of Madrid and five other regions—Andalusia, Galicia, Castilla y León, and Murcia—led by the PP. During a meeting with senior regional officials overseeing Energy, Industry, and Commerce, Ribera stressed that Madrid’s lighting decisions do not depend on the national administration. There was no skepticism or offer of withdrawal, only a determination to resist attempts to reverse the measure.