Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, announced a citywide energy-savings plan designed to reduce consumption this winter. The plan includes a broad set of steps aimed at lowering heating in public buildings and schools to a target of 18 degrees Celsius, while keeping the safety and basic comfort of residents and visitors in mind. The goal is to demonstrate responsibility and solidarity in the face of rising energy costs and tighter supply, without compromising essential public services or safety standards.
During a Tuesday press briefing, Hidalgo clarified that street lighting would not be shut off or dimmed to the point of affecting security. Instead, decorative lighting would be adjusted where appropriate after dark as part of the efficiency drive. The administration made clear that security lighting for roads and critical civic spaces would remain fully illuminated, so residents and travelers could rely on safe, well-lit streets as night falls. By the evening of September 23, municipal buildings such as the city hall would follow these guidelines, with the understanding that certain adjustments would occur gradually as part of a monitored rollout.
The Eiffel Tower, a global symbol of Paris and an enduring emblem of the city, is included in the energy-sobriety measures. The operation will see roughly 20,000 energy-saving bulbs switched off after 23:45, aligning with the tower’s nightly closing hours. Previously, the lights on the monument stayed on until 1:00 a.m., and the new schedule marks a meaningful shift in how the landmark participates in public energy-saving efforts. Officials emphasize that even iconic structures can contribute to a broader environmental plan without compromising their cultural and tourist value. The lighting of the tower accounts for a portion of the city’s total energy consumption, underscoring the symbolic weight of the gesture as well as its practical impact.
The mayor stressed that the reduced operating hours are a deliberate, symbolically significant choice. By adjusting the lighting of an internationally recognized beacon like the Eiffel Tower, Paris demonstrates commitment to energy conservation across all sectors. The energy-use reduction attributed to lighting is a measurable piece of the city’s overall consumption, but the broader message centers on shared responsibility and collaborative action among residents, businesses, and public institutions.
In addition to lighting changes, the administration announced that starting next winter all public buildings would be heated to 18 degrees Celsius, which marks a one-degree decrease from previous standards. This step is designed to curb energy use while maintaining safe and functional indoor environments for schools, libraries, and government facilities. Nighttime temperatures will be kept lower in empty buildings, with a target around 12 degrees during quieter periods such as weekends or overnight, reflecting a careful balance between comfort and conservation.
Officials explained that heating would kick in according to weather patterns, with building systems initiating warming cycles shortly after occupancy resumes in the morning and easing during milder periods. The approach is to tailor indoor temperatures to actual occupancy and climatic conditions, avoiding unnecessary energy use while preserving occupant safety and well-being. There will be exceptions for certain essential facilities such as kindergartens and nursing homes, where higher comfort levels and accessibility remain a priority and will be managed to minimize energy waste without impacting care or safety.
Hidalgo, working with the government under President Emmanuel Macron, aims to implement these measures across the nation and to support municipalities with the practical aspects of adoption. The plan envisions a nationwide framework that guides reductions in heating, optimizes public lighting, and fosters resilience in the face of evolving energy demands. This coordinated effort highlights the importance of leadership, shared sacrifice, and practical policy tools that help communities maintain essential public services while moving toward greater energy efficiency. The administration stresses that the measures are adaptable and will be adjusted as needed to reflect feedback, weather conditions, and the evolving energy landscape, with the aim of sustainable progress rather than abrupt disruption. The actions are framed as part of a broader strategy to modernize the city’s energy use and demonstrate that even highly visible symbols can participate responsibly in energy-saving initiatives.
Source attribution: Paris City Hall press briefing, with follow-up statements from the mayor’s team describing the rollout and rationale for the winter plan.