Public administration energy plan focuses on telework and smarter energy use
This strategy outlines steps to save energy in public administration by expanding telework options without disrupting essential public services. The goal is to reduce energy consumption while maintaining high performance and service quality across government operations.
María Jesús Montero, Spain’s Minister of the Treasury and Public Functions, emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary mobility and energy use. She noted that responsible energy management benefits the entire country, and every sector must contribute to rational consumption, especially as energy costs rise. The minister spoke in an interview with EFE to stress this long-term objective.
The treasury intends to extend the agreement reached in April 2021 with public sector associations. In the post-pandemic phase, remote work was set to three days per week; however, given improvements in vaccination and public health metrics, teleworking was subsequently limited to one day per week to reflect progress and safety considerations.
Beyond telework, the plan calls for smarter energy use and more efficient technology in government buildings. It includes optimizing street lighting and ensuring facilities are adaptable to times when staff concentration is highest, so energy is used precisely where it is needed.
Gas stations receive support
Montero highlighted measures already taken to address the energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine conflict, including a fuel discount and proactive tax administration actions to pass savings to consumers. A 0.20 euro-per-liter bonus has been deployed, with the Tax Office coordinating ahead-of-time reductions at fueling stations. Treasury sources report that 303 million euros have already been paid and that roughly 4,850 companies have accessed advances, representing more than 98% of those who applied.
For Montero and several sectors, keeping the discount in place at gas stations remains crucial, with about 11,000 service stations benefiting from quick implementation and an immediate consumer impact beginning on April 1. The measure complements a tax deduction on electricity bills, currently valued at 12,000 million euros, and the government’s plan to extend this support through June if necessary to stabilize prices.
Montero stressed the government’s readiness to adapt as the energy landscape evolves, arguing that continued vigilance and decisive action are essential as the conflict persists.
The administration is also considering a temporary cap on wholesale electricity prices, aligning with a joint proposal from Spain and Portugal. If approved by Brussels, this cap could be in place within the month, aiming to reduce volatility and protect consumers.
Energy scarcity expectations and resiliency
Montero does not anticipate a near-term energy shortage, pointing out that Spain relies less on Russian gas and oil than many neighbors. Still, she acknowledged that no country can be entirely insulated from future supply shocks. In response, medium-term investments are underway to strengthen strategic reserves and accelerate the deployment of energy storage, renewable technologies, and more sustainable power sources.
She stressed the importance of energy self-sufficiency, noting that robust storage capabilities and resilient baseload infrastructure are critical for maintaining steady supply in changing conditions. These efforts form a key part of Spain’s broader energy strategy, which includes upgrading transmission and storage systems to safeguard continuity of service.
Tax reform and fiscal prudence
The government continues to explore tax reform in a way that pools resources fairly and supports growth. The approach seeks a progressive system where those with greater economic capacity contribute more in income and corporate gains, while ensuring a stable framework for business and essential services. The objective is to reduce uncertainty caused by the war’s economic fallout while avoiding dogmatic prescriptions that favor tax cuts or tax increases in isolation.
Critics have accused certain opponents of fiscal populism for focusing solely on tax cuts. The government, however, remains committed to a flexible, evidence-based agenda that can be adjusted as conditions evolve, without locking in rigid ideologies. The overarching aim is to sustain public services and social protections while maintaining fiscal credibility and growth potential.
In sum, the plan outlines a multi-pronged approach: expand telework where feasible, optimize energy use in public buildings, stabilize energy prices for consumers, and pursue prudent tax reforms. These steps are designed to strengthen energy resilience, support households and businesses, and ensure the public sector leads by example in responsible energy management.
Sources and attributions: statements and program details are reported by national authorities and government briefings. For further context, see official government communications and policy summaries that outline the phased implementation and expected timelines.