EVERY town council in Spain has been instructed to draw up an energy-saving plan by December 1 – and, although restrictions on Christmas lights have not been enforced, some have already announced a late-night switch-off this year.
Barcelona will turn its fairy lights off at 22.30, and the Galicia city of Vigo (Pontevedra province), world-famous for its festive illuminations, will do so at 00.30.
As the European Union has urged member States to cut down their gas consumption – which means saving electricity, too – by at least 5% this winter, Spain has drawn up 73 comprehensive measures to aid it in their goal.
At its most efficient, the steps taken could save up to 13.5%.
For the moment, the fuel reduction 'requirement' by the EU is not compulsory, merely a very strong recommendation and public appeal, but it could become mandatory if a 'real risk of supply shortage' occurs, according to Spain's minister for environment and energy, Teresa Ribera.
Should this ever arise, it will be industry and public administration that is ordered to cut down first, before any such steps have to be imposed on society.
Getting paid for voluntary power cuts?
Spain's government has been swift to quell rumours multiplying in cyberspace – that it intends to cut off the entire national electricity supply during 'peak' hours, or that the TV will go off after 22.30 – as the only deliberate power outage it has up its sleeve will be for emergencies, voluntary, and for industry only.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com