Some exterior lighting might be switched off before that – shopping malls and medium to large retail stores agreed in their energy sobriety plans to turn off advertisements and illuminated signs at closing time. Local authorities across France have agreed to enforce the rule that signs and illuminated advertising must be turned off between 1am and 6am.Īdditionally, public lighting – including street lights will be switched off earlier – between 11pm to 5.30am, except for main roads and big city streets. It might be slightly darker, depending on what time of night you are walking. Heating is, in fact, uses more energy than air conditioning, and shops and stores will need to keep their doors closed if the heating is on. You probably remember this coming into effect over the summer, when shops were asked to keep their doors and windows shut when air conditioning was running. One such plan is work-from-home – the government will invest more funding to expand the capacity for remote in its ministries and public buildings, in the effort of decreasing the carbon emissions of commuting to and from work.Īs a result, you might see your business or office consider bringing in more work-from-home, but again – this has not been mandated by the state, so it would depend on your workplace and its decision.īusinesses have agreed to create plans for “remote working in emergency situations.” One such situation would be a “red” status on the Ecowatt website.ĭoors will also remain closed. While work-from-home will not be required by the government, part of its energy plan is to make public offices and ministries ‘exemplary’ in the effort of encouraging similar responses by individuals and businesses. The energy-saving plan calls on businesses and offices to keep indoor temperatures to a maximum 19C. If you work in an office you can expect it to be a bit cooler this winter. READ MORE: Revealed: The worst-case scenario for blackouts this winter in France When the colours are yellow or red, that means the grid is under strain and energy saving techniques, like the ones listed above, are strongly advised. Individuals have also been encouraged to use the website “Ecowatt” to keep track of the energy forecast (which shows the pressure the electric grid is across France). You might also consider taking other smaller steps, such as unplugging devices on standby or turning off the lights when they are not needed and unplugging devices and turning off the wifi if you are going to be away for a few days. Ministers also suggested that individuals not launch the dishwasher or other appliances at 7pm when they get home from work, as this is a peak time when many others on the electrical grid will be using energy. Households have been encouraged to keep heating to a maximum 19C (or 17C in bedrooms), so if you follow the guidelines and were previously used to a warmer home, you might consider investing in some blankets and sweaters. These are not obligatory and the Prime Minister clarified on Friday that “there will be no temperature police” for homes, but if you want to decrease your energy usage you might consider some minor changes. The government has listed several recommendations for how households and individuals can lower their energy consumption. Here is how your life in France might change this winter:
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