The first set of measures targets energy use in public buildings, commercial spaces, and shops, as well as transport hubs such as airports, train and bus stations, cultural venues, and hotels. It also calls for turning off illuminated shop windows and other non-essential lights after 22:00. These steps, part of a precautionary package, are designed to curb energy consumption quickly and align with European commitments connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The package is set to remain in effect until November 1, 2023.
Health facilities, educational centers (schools, universities, kindergartens), hairdressers, laundries, gyms, and transport modes (trains, planes, airports, ships) should maintain indoor temperatures no lower than 27 degrees Celsius in summer and no higher than 19 degrees Celsius in winter. Some rooms within centers and hotels that require sector-specific exemptions will be treated separately, while the rest of the hotel areas, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and common spaces, follow the same limits.
These temperature limits apply to a broad range of venues—including convention centers, administrative buildings with offices and public lobbies, commercial spaces (stores, supermarkets, malls), cultural facilities (theaters, cinemas, auditoriums), and public entertainment venues, as well as restaurants and passenger transport hubs. The aim is to keep workplaces comfortable while cutting energy use across the economy.
Teresa Ribera, the Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, noted on Friday that bars and restaurants may set air conditioning to roughly 25 degrees Celsius, reflecting labor law guidance and in line with the royal decree on energy saving and efficiency measures approved by the government. The decree sets these temperature targets for most venues, with some flexibility built in for specific settings.
flexible measurements
Authorities clarified that the 27-degree winter ceiling and related summer limits will be applied with flexibility. For example, entertainment venues like discos, kitchens, and gyms may require different temperatures than quiet spaces such as bookstores. The idea is to balance energy savings with the comfort and safety of workers and customers.
In remarks to Europa Press made via Onda Cero, Ribera emphasized that workers engaged in substantial physical activity must not have their conditions compromised by temperature limits, in line with labor regulations. Companies and organizations should justify deviations from the thermostat rule when necessary, with the flexibility codified in the decree to safeguard occupational health rights.
Businesses must visibly explain any exceptions or deviations, including banners or screens that convey energy-saving measures and the applicable temperature and humidity levels. Thermometers or climate indicators should be accessible to building occupants, and notices about door status and maintenance regimes should be posted where relevant. Optional measures can also be reported publicly at entrances, so visitors understand the energy strategy in place. The measure’s start date is one month after regulatory publication in the official gazette, with an initial period through November 1, 2023.
Additionally, buildings used by the public must have doors that close properly to maintain interior conditions. This requirement applies to facilities open to the public and sharing the same uses where temperature limits apply. Exceptions are only allowed where safety laws prevent full compliance, and the deadline for full compliance was set for September 30, with no stated end date for the obligation.
Fines starting from 60,000 Euro
Non-compliance with the government’s energy-saving and efficiency plan can lead to penalties. Minor violations may incur fines starting at 60,000 euros, with more serious breaches reaching up to six million euros, and very serious cases carrying fines up to 100 million euros. The penalties are detailed in the building thermal installations regulations (RITE), as described in Articles 30 to 38 of Law No. 21/1992, issued on July 16. These sanctions are administered by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism based on this framework [Source: Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism].