Germany to heat public buildings to 19 °C max to save energy

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced new regulations to save energy on Friday amid fears of shortages as a result of a stand-off with Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Public buildings will only be allowed to be heated to a maximum of 19 degrees Celsius, buildings and monuments will no longer be illuminated at night and advertising installations will not be illuminated, Habeck told the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.

"More savings are also needed in the world of work," he said, without giving further details. He said this was being discussed with the Labour Ministry.

In July, Habeck presented a new energy security package against the backdrop of a sharp decrease in Russian gas supplies. It stated that it was important to reduce gas consumption in companies, office buildings and private households.

The goal is not to heat rooms where people are not regularly present, such as corridors, large halls, foyers or technical rooms - unless it has to be done for safety reasons.

The Economy Ministry is now planning additional energy and efficiency measures in close coordination with other departments of the government.

An initial period of six months is planned for these measures.

Also on Friday, the debate about sharply rising energy prices continued, with the government expected to announce next week how much of the price increases will be passed on to consumers.

Habeck has that he expects the increase to result in costs of "several hundred euros per household."

The levy is intended to benefit gas suppliers who have to make up for the lack of cheaper Russian gas by buying more expensive alternatives on the open market. They are currently not allowed to pass these on to consumers.