Nat´l campaign begins as more power saving measures needed

The national energy saving campaign, ‘Down a degree’ has started on Monday following the difficult energy situation across the Europe following the Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

The campaign has been launched with the view to encourages people, companies and other organisations to save energy through everyday actions sensing the saving energy as a quick and effective way to relieve the energy crisis, said Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release.

Nearly nine out of ten Finnish people reported saving energy, according to a Citizens’ Pulse survey published in September. Recent data from the main grid operator Fingrid show that electricity consumption fell by seven per cent in September compared with the same month a year ago.

“Finnish people have really started to save energy on a broad front and the results speak for themselves. However, winter is only just coming, so more effort will be needed from all,” said Kati Laakso, Director of Communications at Motiva.

The updated goal of the campaign is to persuade at least 95 per cent of Finnish households to save energy and to lower the demand for electricity during peak times. The long-term objective is to achieve a permanent reduction in energy consumption.

Particularly effective measures include lowering the room temperature, reducing electricity consumption during the peak demand hours (weekdays at 8–10 and 16–20), using less warm water and driving slower.

While households play an important role in saving energy, they are not responsible for it alone. Central government, companies and various organisations are also involved.

Already, 541 entities have entered the campaign, pledging to take concrete steps to save energy. Information on the campaign partners and their energy saving efforts can be found on the campaign website.

Saving energy will help ensure its sufficiency in Finland, contribute to a sustainable electricity system and curb the rise in energy prices.

The European Commission has also expressed the wish that all Member States encourage and support their citizens and organisations to save energy through campaigns.

The ‘Down a degree’ campaign is organised in cooperation by the government’s sustainable development company Motiva, the Energy Authority, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of the Environment, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.