World Doors shut, no lights: Europe on energy-saving mode as Russian gas dries up

Countries are looking for ways to cut energy consumption...

Doors shut, no lights as Europe on energy saving mode. Germany has made headlines this week after switching off lights at public monuments and turning off heating at city-run buildings like leisure centers.

According to the information, Energy-saving measures across the country are in line with the European Union's (EU’s) plan to gradually reduce the demand for gas and avoid blackouts this winter. The aim is to bring down energy consumption by 15 per cent by next March.

This reduction would enable countries to keep the lights on in the worst case scenario if Russia were to totally cut off supplies.

Further information stated that, For now, reductions are voluntary, but soaring energy prices could act as motivation. However, in the case of a severe shortage or unusually high consumption, the European Commission may make them mandatory.

Germany mostly uses gas for heating -- only around 15 per cent goes to generating electricity. But across the country, authorities are finding ways to cut consumption in both of these areas.

In the north-west, Hanover became the first major city to introduce energy-saving measures.

This includes switching off hot water in showers and baths at facilities like leisure centres. Municipal buildings can also no longer be heated to more than 20C and mobile air conditioning units or fan heaters are banned.

Greece revealed an “operation thermostat” in June which aims to reduce energy consumption by 10 per cent this year and then 30 per cent by 2030.

Though Spain isn’t dependent on Russian gas supplies, its government has still been encouraging citizens to reduce energy consumption.