Germany adopts regulations to reduce heating and lighting

As part of attempts to safeguard the nation’s gas supplies to counterbalance throttled deliveries from Russia. The energy-saving measures authorized by the cabinet on Wednesday(31st August) will result in cooler public buildings and darker streets in Germany this winter. Therefore, Germany adopts regulations to reduce heating and lighting this winter.

Why the new law?

• • The government implemented the gas tax to help importers avoid insolvency and stop significant market distortions.
  • The fee is designed to cover the additional expenses importers must incur for the quick and costly purchase of alternative gas as a result of the Russian supply disruption.
  • Gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany have been reduced to 20% of capacity, according to Russian gas giant Gazprom (GAZP.MM).
  • Berlin has criticized the action as being politically motivated in light of the sanctions Europe has imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
  • The rule, however, was criticized for allowing all impacted enterprises to apply for support even if they do not require it.
  • The law to give energy transport priority on a portion of the nation’s rail networks was also approved by the cabinet.

What are the new rules?

• • The new gas tax in Germany will cost 2.419 cents per kilowatt hour (ct/kWh) when it goes into effect on October 1.
  • The fee, which is expected to stay in place until 2024, could accelerate inflation further and start to fully take effect after current relief measures for energy costs expire later this year, according to researchers.
  • The law, which will go into effect in less than a week and initially last for six months, will prohibit the heating of public structures like town halls and train waiting rooms to temperatures higher than 19C (66.2F).
  • It will also require the turning off of radiators in hallways, foyers, entranceways, and technical rooms.
  • Additionally, legislation was implemented to reorder transportation on the railways, giving coal and oil trains priority over passenger or other commodities trains.
  • Building facades and monuments won’t be lighted up for merely aesthetic purposes anymore due to energy regulations.
  • Numerous energy-saving measures have already been put in place by authorities in Berlin and other cities. The lights at the capital’s Brandenburg Gate have turned off a few weeks ago.
  • Businesses may be prohibited from keeping their storefronts illuminated at night, and buildings and monuments will no longer be lit solely for aesthetic reasons.
  • The heating of private swimming pools will also be banned.
  • The German government expects the new regulations to cut gas use by about 2%.
  • Over the following two years, the reforms could help individual households, businesses, and the public sector save a combined 10.8 billion euros ($10.7 billion).

Are the regulations to reduce heating and lighting permanent?

To tackle the situation, Germany is seeking to build two liquefied natural gas facilities. On the North Sea coast in addition to the new energy-saving measures to help increase gas storage for the winter.

The three guiding concepts of German environmental policy-polluter pays, precaution, and cooperation. These are reflected in law and other economic tools, proactive efforts to solve emerging problems, and increased stakeholder participation and involvement. Hopefully, the new regulations to reduce heating and lighting are only temporary, and the German government will soon address the problem and remove the root cause.

Also read,

RHINE RIVER’S LOW WATER LEVELS HARMS GERMANY’S ECONOMY

GERMANY TO INCREASE THE BLOCKED AMOUNT OF FOREIGN STUDENTS

Everything you need to know about the €300 energy relief payment from Germany

 

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