French premier calls on ministers to lead by example, save energy

PARIS

The French premier has called upon ministers to set an example for the citizens by undertaking energy-saving measures as part of a “sobriety” campaign due to concerns over energy supplies in the context of Russia's war on Ukraine.

In a circular sent on Monday, Elisabeth Borne issued instructions to make "an unprecedented effort in terms of energy sobriety" in the French administration.

Among the measures listed in the circular are equipping buildings with thermostats, limiting air conditioning only if the interior temperatures exceed 26 degrees Celsius, and heating if temperatures drop below 19 degrees Celsius, not leaving electrical devices on standby, turning off the lights when not required, and using carpooling or bicycle to work.

“These measures are necessary, not only to improve our energy sobriety, but also for the sake of setting an example and acceptability of the efforts that are required of society as a whole," she said.

Separately, the government is also working to reduce energy consumption by 10% over two years.

Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher has also announced similar guidelines prohibiting illuminated advertisements between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time everywhere except railway stations and airports.

The French National Assembly too adopted emergency energy saving measures for a period of up to five years.

These measures concern redirecting the gas from power plants producing electricity to the heating network for households, and businesses; construction of a temporary floating LNG gas terminal in Le Havre port, and temporary reopening of the coal-fired power plant in Saint-Avold (Moselle) that was closed in March 2022.

President Emmanuel Macron in an interview on July 14, urged for a collective plan by the public as well as the administration to consume less electricity and fuel to preserve the environment and pursue energy independence from Russia.