The Spanish government is steering away from mandating reductions in gas use for homes and businesses while placing strong emphasis on saving and energy efficiency. This stance aims to reduce Spain’s exposure to potential escalation scenarios in the energy market, particularly in the face of possible supply constraints from major suppliers. The approach is framed as a recommendation rather than a formal obligation, and it involves regional and local governments in the effort. The guidance comes in a letter addressed to the branch managers and the president of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), as well as the mayor of Vigo, with input from Teresa Ribera, the vice president and minister for Ecological Transition. [Attribution: Spanish government communications]
Public administrations are urged to lead by example, encouraging responsible behavior that aligns with broader energy-saving goals. The communication highlights that implementing energy-saving and efficiency measures translates into financial savings for the public sector, freeing budgetary resources for other policy priorities. The vice president stresses that these actions should be voluntary, not compulsory, while serving as a practical reference for regional and local authorities seeking to optimize energy use and reduce expenditure. [Attribution: official communications from the Ministry of Ecological Transition]
The executive branch initiated a Savings and Efficiency Plan for the General State Administration (AGE) at the end of May. Ribera remains open to considering new proposals, and officials indicate that the plan could act as a benchmark for subnational governments. The core content of the plan centers on three pillars designed to cut energy use and emissions while maintaining service levels. First, ensure three telecommunication-free days each week for public bodies and promote the use of public transport and cycling. Second, foster a rational, data-driven use of public buildings through scheduling for turning off and on lighting, adjusting lighting levels, implementing temperature controls, and expanding self-consumption options. Third, launch training programs to raise energy-saving awareness and mobility literacy among public sector staff and the public. [Attribution: government planning documents]
In parallel, Ribera proposes that regional and municipal authorities accelerate the processing of renewable energy projects and streamline aid program administration. The aim is to advance climate neutrality by intensifying efforts to deploy renewables and to promote measures such as energy rehabilitation, sustainable mobility, self-consumption, and transitions away from fossil fuels in cooling and heating systems. The vice president emphasizes that the coordinated adoption of these measures should come through existing aid programs and systematic support for decarbonization across public buildings and services. [Attribution: ministry briefings]
This week, the government convened an Energy Sector Conference to review the recommendations and actions under consideration by the regions. While more discussions are planned in the coming weeks, Ribera intends to meet again with representatives from political parties and social actors, including companies and consumer groups, to refine the national emergency plan ahead of the Brussels deadline in September. The plan, once finalized, is intended to be shared with the European Commission as part of the broader energy security strategy in response to ongoing geopolitical pressures. [Attribution: institutional statements]