To save energy at a time when Russia is reducing its gas deliveries, the city of Berlin has decided to turn off the lights of monuments and public buildings.
A first experiment took place last night but, eventually, some 200 emblematic buildings, including the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace or the town hall of the municipality will no longer be illuminated.
The city will thus be able to save the use of 1,400 projectors.
"Given the war against Ukraine and the threats from Russia in terms of energy policy, it is important that we use our energy as carefully as possible", explained the senator for the Environment of the municipality of left, Bettina Jarasch (Greens).
Human intervention, building by building
Still, the manipulations are not so simple.
To stop the automatic mechanism that turned on the lights at nightfall.
Human intervention, building by building, is necessary for the moment.
As a result, the city will not save money initially because this cost of intervention globally covers the electricity costs saved over one year, ie 40,000 euros.
In the short term, it is therefore “the energy saving effect which is decisive for the measurement, and not pure profitability”, according to the city which consumes around 200,000 kilowatt hours annually.
Head of state Frank-Walter Steinmeier also wanted to set an example this week by announcing that his official Berlin residence, Bellevue Palace, would no longer be lit at night, except on special occasions such as state visits.
For several weeks, the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for national mobilization to save energy, the prices of which have exploded and while the supply could deteriorate this winter.
A campaign has been launched, aimed at professionals and individuals, to promote certain practices, such as lowering the air conditioning of buildings, favoring public transport or even buying a shower head that uses less water.
Many major cities across the country have also announced energy conservation plans.