- On 1 August the government approved an energy-saving plan: in shops, offices and public spaces, air conditioning could not go below 27 degrees.
- Shop windows had to be switched off from 10 pm; the rule took effect on 10 August.
- Beyond the obligation, a simple audit of consumption shows where too much is being spent and cuts costs straight away.
On 1 August 2022 the government approved an energy-saving plan. In shops, offices and public spaces, air conditioning could not go below 27 degrees and shop windows had to be switched off from 10 pm. The rule took effect on 10 August. It was a response to the risk of gas shortages and to pressure on energy prices, and it came in the middle of summer.
For many companies, the decree was their first encounter with a direct obligation to save energy. Beyond the anecdote of the degrees or the lights, it raised practical questions about how to comply with the rule, how to inform customers and employees and what consequences non-compliance might have. It is wise to know the text exactly and not rely on what is heard in the media. Companies with few resources to follow the rules are usually the most exposed, which is why a simple internal guide is useful.
An obligation for premises
Unlike a recommendation, a decree with obligations directly affects how companies behave: it sets out what premises must do and, normally, provides for consequences if it is not complied with. That is why the dates of entry into force should be taken seriously and it should be known which conditions apply to each premises.
Not all spaces are subject to the same rules, and there may be exceptions by activity or type of premises. It is wise to read the applicable text carefully, work out whether the business falls within its scope and, in case of doubt, consult an adviser or the competent authority. Knowing what is required and what is allowed avoids penalties and also unnecessary effort. Besides the penalty, non-compliance can affect the business’s reputation, something customers increasingly value.
Adapting within days
In Barcelona, shops and hotels had to adapt within days. Programming air conditioning, reviewing window lighting systems and informing employees required coordination, and those with several premises or managing buildings had to act in an orderly way.
A good method is to draw up a task list for each premises: who sets the thermostat, who controls the switching off of lights, how the measure is explained to customers who may feel uncomfortable and how compliance is checked. In companies with several sites, naming a person responsible prevents each location from interpreting the rule on its own. And keeping a record of compliance can be useful if there is an inspection. The key is speed of decision: changes applied in advance usually cost less than those made in a hurry.
Saving as an opportunity
Beyond the rule, many companies discovered they could cut consumption without losing service. A simple audit of energy consumption shows where too much is being spent, and with energy so dear, reducing consumption translates immediately into lower costs. It is worth comparing the cost of each improvement with the expected saving and prioritising those that pay back soonest.
Measures such as improving insulation, replacing lighting with more efficient technology, reviewing equipment schedules or maintaining air conditioning properly usually have a quick return. Not all require investment: some are simply changes of habit. If consumption is significant in the cost structure, a professional energy study can prioritise the actions with the best cost-to-saving ratio. Results improve when they are measured: installing meters or reviewing bills by period shows whether the measures work.
The obligation was the push, but the saving stays.
This article is general information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice, and it does not take anyone’s particular circumstances into account.
