The measures aimed at saving energy adopted by the Spanish left government, framed in the European plan to limit imports of Russian gas, came into force on Wednesday in shops and other buildings open to the public.
The main provision seeks to moderate air conditioning, hence businesses, cultural establishments, such as cinemas or theaters, and airports and train and bus stations will have to keep the air conditioning at a minimum of 27 ºC.
In winter, the heating may not exceed 19°C.
“The objective of this plan is to save gas to prepare for this winter, in case (Russian President Vladimir) Putin decides, in the face of sanctions, to cut off the gas supply to Europe,” Joan Groizard explained to public television TVE , director of the energy saving institute of the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
The decree also provides that the lights in the windows of shops or empty public buildings are kept off.