Having survived cold weather, Europeans should brace for another challenge – heatwaves. Office workers will suffer the most because of adjustments to the use of the air conditioning systems.
The EU authorities are calling citizens to endure the heat after sharply cutting imports of Russian oil and gas. Spain was the first country that started preparing for a hot summer. The Spanish government has already approved an energy-saving plan to reduce the central administration's energy usage by 25%. The new plan includes temperature controls in public offices and institutions. In order to lower Europe’s dependence on Russian oil and gas, public servants will have to endure summer heat and winter cold. In the summertime, office air conditioning should be set no lower than 27 degrees. In the winter, heating will be set at no more than 19 degrees, according to a preliminary draft.
To save electricity in public buildings, the lights will be turned off earlier. The Spanish government also encourages citizens to use public transport or bicycles to go to work. Apart from that, employees are advised to work from home if possible. "Even though Spain is one of the European Union countries with the lowest exposure to Russian energy, it is obvious we are not immune to rising energy prices," Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero said.