The European Commission presents a plan next week to address, between autumn and winter, any reduction or cut in gas supplies to the European Union by Russia. “Acting now could reduce the impact of a sudden supply disruption by a third,” the Commission explains.
The European one is a project based on a form of solidarity between Member States which is already facing the defection of Hungary which closes the boundaries of its energy. It’s called Saving gas for a risk-free winter and calls for “coordinated demand savings” based on three possible stages in the gas crisis.
The Commission proposes an obligation for public buildings to limit heating to 19 degrees and cooling to 25. Added to these is the introduction of auctions or tenders to incentivize the reduction of consumption by large consumers. There would be compensation for companies that will independently reduce demand. If possible, the activity of nuclear and coal plants should be extended. Priorities to be established among customers.
Families and individual users can start saving energy independently and consequently spend less, up to 180 euros per year. The advice comes from an Enea study that applies small precautions and manages to save almost 2.7 billion cubic meters of gas.
What needs to be done?
It is necessary to lower the heating in the house by one degree, reaching 19 degrees (as proposed by the EU Commission for public offices). This would lead to an average national saving of domestic heating fuel of 10.7%.
Then it is needed cut the ignition of the radiators by one hour a day with a 3.6% decrease in total consumption e reduce the period of use by 15 days a year. In total, savings would reach 17.5%, equal to approximately 2.7 billion cubic meters of gas.
Other savings can come from the use of electric heat pumps, those for air conditioning, even for heating. It also saves by reducing the use of gas for domestic hot water and cooking. As always, maximum efficiency is recommended domestic appliances: use at full load and preferably at night. Finally, the installation of LED lighting is recommended.
– Air conditioners, from May 1st the rules for the summer come into force
– Energy saving, driving against expensive bills without suffering from the heat
Source: Vanity Fair
