Germany turns off lights, locks out hot water in public places to conserve energy for winter
Many cities in Germany have decided to stop providing hot water, reduce maximum heating levels and turn off lights in public buildings, as part of efforts to cut energy consumption.
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Berlin Cathedral will no longer be illuminated to save energy. Photo: Dpa |
According to RT, Hannover city officials have ordered the hot water taps in public buildings, including gyms and swimming pools, to be turned off starting July 25. Employees at those locations will also have to wash their hands with cold water during work hours under the new regulations.
In addition, authorities limit the maximum room temperature in public buildings to 20 degrees Celsius. In gyms, the temperature must not exceed 15 degrees Celsius.
Winter heating in municipal buildings will only be available from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. “Beyond this period, we will not provide heating,” officials warn.
The local government's guidelines on energy saving also include turning off fountains, turning off lights outside the city museum, city hall and other public buildings...
The measures come as the city launches a campaign to cut energy consumption by 15 percent in preparation for a winter shortage. City officials say they want to be prepared rather than reactive.
“We have to stay ahead of the curve,” said Finance Ministry official Axel von der Ohe. Meanwhile, Belit Mayor Onay said every kilowatt-hour saved would protect gas storage facilities.
Hannover is not the only German city taking some energy-saving measures ahead of winter. Dusseldorf is also planning to reduce heating temperatures for the fall and winter to conserve energy.
The capital Berlin also began turning off the lights at about 200 historical buildings such as the State Opera House, Berlin Cathedral, Charlottenburg Palace, and City Hall in the evening. The expected implementation period of this lights-off policy is 4 weeks.
Earlier this week, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he wanted to set an example in this energy-saving campaign and turn off the lights at the Bellevue Presidential Palace in the evening.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has for weeks called for a national effort to save energy amid rising gas and oil prices due to the conflict in Ukraine.
In early July, German media reported that Germans were cutting back on their shower time amid repeated government calls for savings. German Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck had previously called on people to cut back on the frequency of saunas and showers.
Germany is bracing for an energy crisis as the European Union seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. Gas prices have nearly quadrupled this year, largely due to reduced Russian supplies.
