Cities in Germany are turning off spotlights at public monuments, turning off fountains and imposing cold showers at municipal swimming pools and sports halls, as the country struggles to reduce its energy consumption in the face of a looming gas crisis in Russia
Hannover, in northwest Germany, on Wednesday became the first major city to announce energy-saving measures, including turning off hot water in showers and bathrooms in buildings and leisure centers in the city
Municipal buildings in the capital of the state of Lower Saxony will only be heated from 1 October to 31 March, to an ambient temperature of no higher than 20 ºC (68 ºF) and prohibit the use of mobile air conditioners and ventilation heaters. Kindergartens, schools, residences and hospitals are exempt from the savings measures.
“The situation is unpredictable,” said the city’s mayor, Belit Onay, of the Green party. “Every kilowatt hour counts, and protecting critical infrastructure must be a priority.”
Hanover’s 15% savings target is in line with the reductions the European Commission this week urged member states to make to ensure they can cope in the event of a total gas cut to Russia. Germany, which is more dependent on Russian gas imports than other European countries, is under pressure to lead the way.
In Berlin, the German capital, around 200 historic monuments and municipal buildings were shrouded in darkness on Wednesday night as the city turned off the lights to save electricity. Monuments previously lit up at night include the Victory Column in Tiergarten Park, the Memorial Church in Breitscheidplatz and the Jewish Museum.
“In the face of the war against Ukraine and energy threats from Russia, it is vital that we manage our energy as carefully as possible,” said Berlin Environment Senator Bettina Jarasch.
Germany uses most of its gas imports to heat homes and power its large industry. But while an energy emergency plan launched in June allows utilities to pass on high gas prices to customers, most private households in Germany pay their gas bills in advance and have yet to experience directly the kind of dramatic increases that would change consumer behavior. .
Germany’s government confirmed on Thursday that an expected gas surcharge on customers could be much higher than previously expected, to save energy companies from going bankrupt in the coming months.
“We still can’t say how much gas will cost in November, but the bitter news is that it’s definitely a few hundred euros per household,” said Economy Minister Robert Habeck.
Germany also uses gas to generate around 15% of its electricity needs, which is where municipal authorities have decided to make relatively painless savings.
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The city of Munich, in southern Germany, announced this week that it will turn off the lights in its Marienplatz town hall, which is normally lit up until 11 p.m., and will only have cold water in the offices municipal The fountains would also be closed at night.
Nuremberg is closing three of its four city-run indoor pools and will keep its outdoor pools open until September 25.
In April, Berlin had announced measures to keep its outdoor pools two degrees below the standard temperature depending on the weather throughout the summer season.