In order to avoid gas bottlenecks in the cold season, the federal government is decreing a series of energy-saving measures for citizens, companies and public bodies such as parishes. The cabinet approved two energy-saving regulations in Berlin on Wednesday that are intended to help reduce Germany’s dependence on Russian gas imports. Since gas is also used to generate electricity in Germany, electricity consumption should also fall. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) explained that “strong interaction between the state, business and society, between the federal, state and local authorities, social partners, trade unions, trade and associations” is needed. Habeck still sees a long way to go when it comes to saving energy given the severe cutbacks in Russian gas supplies.
According to initial estimates, the regulations will reduce gas consumption by around two percent. One cannot lean back now, says Habeck. “We still have a long way to go.” He described the situation in Germany as tense again.
The two ordinances based on the Energy Security Act provide for savings measures for this and the coming winter.
These regulations are initially valid for six months. In a second ordinance, which the Federal Council must approve and which will apply until 2024, regular inspections of gas heating systems and the replacement of inefficient pumps will be prescribed for the next two years.
From October, companies with an energy consumption of more than ten gigawatt hours per year will be obliged to take energy-saving measures if they make economic sense for them.
