The balance between the first week and the ongoing savings plan shows a notable dip in electricity use. Government figures released this Tuesday indicate a 3.7% reduction in consumption from the previous week, covering Monday through Sunday. The Vice President for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, stated at a press briefing that the measures have saved more than half of the 7% commitment promised to Brussels. The energy-saving strategy is framed as a response to evolving consumption patterns and aims to help households and businesses use energy more responsibly while supporting the administration’s broader efficiency goals. This includes calls to lower thermostat settings for cooling, close windows in public and commercial buildings, and encourage prudent energy use across sectors.
In addressing questions about consumer behavior, Ribera underscored the public’s role in achieving these savings, highlighting how personal habits and responsible purchasing choices contribute to the overall effect. She responded to critics who urged dismissing the rule, emphasizing that prudent energy use and collective effort can reduce strain on the system without undermining economic activity. The discussion also touched on the political dynamics surrounding energy policy and the solidarity shown by Spanish society with Europe during ongoing energy challenges.
The vice president pointed to a trend of prices in Spain that lag behind several European partners, with the savings estimated at roughly 1,383 million euros and about 22 million euros saved daily. These reductions form a core part of the contingency plan being prepared for Brussels, intended to be submitted before the end of September. The plan invites contributions from industry, consumer groups, and political representatives, with a goal of shaping concrete proposals by month’s end. It is clear that there will be no blanket restrictions on homes or industry; instead, proposals will focus on flexible gas contracts, expanded cogeneration with more efficient solutions, and greater use of natural gas in place of renewable gases where appropriate. Efficiency measures for homes, including self-consumption for heat pumps and potential boiler replacements, are also on the table.
Beyond savings and efficiency measures, the plan includes a second pillar of emergency actions. Spain intends to accelerate fuel switching, electrify certain processes, and promote renewable gases while supporting European partners facing tighter circumstances. Ribera described energy connections as a shared European policy objective that requires close collaboration with the European Commission and member states. The discussion also touched on debates with France regarding a gas pipeline similar to the MidCat crossing Catalonia. France has emphasized its need for energy from all neighbors, a reality that underscores why a common European energy policy is essential for cohesion and resilience in the face of ongoing market fluctuations.