Germany struggles to save energy amid looming gas crisis

BERLIN

German authorities have started to implement new energy saving measures to prepare for a possible gas shortage in winter.

According to the new measures that came into effect on Thursday, public buildings are now required to turn off non-essential lights and hot water, and limit heating to a maximum 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

Historical buildings and monuments across the country are no longer illuminated, with the exception of lighting for security purposes, to reduce electricity use.

The Energy Saving Ordinance also introduces restrictions for businesses, obliging them to switch off illuminated advertising between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (2000-0400GMT).

They are also required to close doors while heating their shops to improve energy efficiency.

The government is hoping to decrease energy consumption by 20% and fill up its gas storage facilities to 95% by Nov. 1 to get ready for potential disruptions to Russian gas imports in winter.

This week, Russia halted gas deliveries to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline, citing maintenance reasons. German politicians, however, accused Moscow of using gas as a weapon to exert pressure on Berlin.

Germany has around 23 billion cubic meters of gas storage capacity, and currently the total storage level is around 84%, according to Bundesnetzagentur, the country’s energy regulator.