Public buildings and shop windows must turn off their lights at 10 pm.
1. What measures were in effect?
In 2009, the government led by Rodriguez Zapatero mandated that, starting from 2008, indoor heating be capped at 21 degrees Celsius in winter and air conditioning kept at a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius in summer, with doors kept closed to minimize heat loss. The 2011 energy saving and efficiency plan laid out these rules as long‑term standards rather than temporary measures. The goal was to reduce oil imports by about 10 percent. The current administration has since adjusted these limits, lowering heating from 21º to 19º and reducing cooling from 27º to 26º, including adjustments for areas where doors remain open. The plan also incorporates the use of renewable energy for air conditioning in appropriate settings.
2. Which institutions are affected?
The institutions subject to air conditioning and door‑closure restrictions are the same as in 2009. They cover buildings and facilities used for administration, advertising (retailers, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centers, and similar venues), culture (theaters, cinemas, auditoriums, convention centers, exhibition halls, and related spaces), public performances and entertainment events, bars, restaurants and cafes, and transit hubs such as train stations, bus stations, and airports. In this cycle, the focus is on shop windows and public buildings, not monuments.
There are exclusions. Gyms, hairdressers, nightclubs, hotel rooms, hospitals, and nursing homes are not affected, even when current emergency plans address gas supply interruptions. The measure will be applied as long as occupational safety conditions are met. For example, in a restaurant kitchen, air conditioning is not prohibited if it is necessary for safe operation. Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, has repeatedly stated that the aim is to help everyone save as much energy as possible.
3. Since when?
Lights must go off at 10 pm, and heating and cooling arrangements come into effect seven days later. The start date for these changes is Tuesday, August 9, with authorities required to report on the implementation within one month, by September 2. A sufficient door‑closing system must be in place by September 30. Although these measures have historical roots dating to 2009, the current note from the Ministry of Ecological Transition clarifies that the reform extends to organizations that use renewable energy for air conditioning.
4. What happens if the measures are not met?
Monitoring and enforcement remain the responsibility of autonomous communities, as before. They should enforce existing rules such as door closures and temperature limits of 21º for heating and 26º for cooling in workplaces. Earlier this morning, a government building reported a temperature of 26.5º, exceeding the allowed level, showing that oversight is active.
The Government’s Royal Decree Act specifies penalties in cases of noncompliance. Violations can carry fines ranging from moderate to severe, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. Proportionality principles apply, so penalties may be adjusted based on intent, duration, and damages caused. Officials from the Ministry of Ecological Transition indicated that the final fines will generally be far less than the upper limit in routine cases.
Oversight remains in the hands of the autonomous communities, so enforcement may vary by region. The Community of Madrid has suggested that private entities might experience looser monitoring, though the rules still apply. The overarching message remains clear: responsible organizations should comply to reduce energy use while ensuring safety and service continuity.