On 2 August, the Government enacted Royal Decree 14/2022 to advance savings measures, boost energy efficiency, and lessen dependence on natural gas. The decree sets a ceiling on indoor temperatures, prohibiting heating above 19 degrees Celsius and air conditioning above 27 degrees. Each degree of tightening is estimated to reduce consumption by about 7 percent. It also introduces requirements for door-closing systems that prevent energy waste, including those powered by renewable energy sources, and mandates turning off shop window lighting at night.
Retailers are the most directly affected, but office building owners feel the impact as well. The Spanish Association of Shopping Centers and Parks, which includes asset owners and merchants, called for flexibility given the short implementation window and the practical challenges involved in meeting the targets. They also urged administrative support to fund the necessary investments, as reported by El Periódico de España.
Ribera asserts that the energy-saving decree is practical and should be implemented
The Commercial Space Owners Association has indicated compliance with the measures while stressing the importance of preserving customer comfort in busy commercial areas. APRESCO supports AECC’s position, arguing for aid and incentives to ease implementation and to continue progressing toward productive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly spaces.
Who is affected by the policy?
Historically, buildings were heated to about 21 degrees in winter and cooled to at least 27 degrees in summer, with businesses shutting down appropriately to conserve energy. These measures were rolled out between 2008 and 2011 with the aim of reducing oil imports by 10 percent. The current action reduces the maximum heating by two degrees and the cooling by one degree, representing a modest tightening of prior standards while still prioritizing energy conservation.
Government may require energy-conservation practices from communities
The updated measures apply to both public and private buildings, supermarkets, cinemas, theatres, transit hubs, and shops. Monuments, hospitals, and nursing homes are exempt from the new lighting rules and will remain illuminated. Beginning 9 August, all parties involved must switch off interior lights by 10 a.m. and ensure door closures are configured by 30 September. Sanctions for non-compliance range from 60,000 euros to 100 million euros, with smaller penalties possible in some cases.
In a recent statement, the Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge highlighted that the rule will be applied with flexibility. She noted that bars and restaurants may receive allowances to lower the maximum temperature thresholds. She also drew a distinction between different business types, indicating that sedentary venues such as gyms, discos, and bars may not require the same temperature settings across the board.