The Champs-Elysées will be less illuminated this winter: the Christmas lights will last less there and traders will have to turn off their windows and screens earlier, announced Tuesday the Champs-Elysées Committee which brings together signs from the Parisian avenue.
“
To help avoid power cuts and shortages of electricity this winter, consequences of the war in Europe, the Champs-Élysées must participate collectively and in solidarity with the efforts requested of the French
”, writes the committee in a press release.
The Christmas lights will be turned off every evening from 11.45 p.m., compared to 2 a.m. in previous years, and will be removed from January 2, a week earlier than planned.
The only exceptions are that they will remain on for New Years Eve on December 24 and 31.
According to the Champs-Elysées Committee, this will make it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the illuminations by 44%.
Merchants and brands are also invited to turn off their windows and screens between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., a measure which “
must be generalized before October 15
”.
“
Real estate companies, owners and users of offices on the Champs-Élysées have also been invited to join this movement.
The duration of this energy sobriety plan will be extended as needed
,” continues the committee.
Read alsoEnergy sobriety: a majority of French people in favor of limiting heating to 19 degrees, according to a survey
To cope with soaring energy costs, aggravated by the war in Ukraine, the Paris City Hall has already announced an energy sobriety plan, including switching off the lighting in public buildings from 10 p.m. Eiffel at 11.45 p.m. instead of 1 a.m.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo has invited private players, including office buildings, hotels, supermarkets and department stores, to take part in the effort by reducing their consumption by at least 10%.