Appeal to reduce electricity consumption

Life without electricity is unimaginable these days – almost nothing works without it. However, we should be conscious of the fact that the supply of electrical power is not endless and shortages are possible.

In the event of an electricity shortage, the National Economic Supply NES would appeal to the population to reduce electricity consumption voluntarily – at home, at work or during leisure time. This would prevent or delay for as long as possible prescribed measures for restricting or prohibiting power consumption.

How to save electricity

Use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift

Lifts require a lot of energy. By using the stairs, you not only keep fit but also save electricity.

Unplug electrical appliances when not in use

Avoid using the energy-inefficient stand-by mode. Instead, unplug electrical appliances when not in use (to make things easier, use a multi-plug socket so that you need only unplug one device). This also applies to charging devices for mobile phones, laptops and electrical toothbrushes.

Heat rooms in which you spend the day to a maximum of 20°C (in winter)

By reducing room temperature by one degree, you save around 6% on heating energy. Regulate room temperature by using the radiator valve or a thermostat, not by opening windows.

Do not cool rooms in which you spend the day to under 28°C (in summer)

Cooling a room by one degree requires 3% more energy. To attain a comfortable room temperature, create shade and cool down rooms at night.

Avoid using mobile heaters (in winter) and air conditioners (in summer)

Mobile heaters, radiators and air conditioners are some of the most energy-inefficient appliances in the home and office. Use them only in an emergency and for a short period.

Give rooms a short but vigorous airing by opening as many windows as possible

For a well-balanced indoor climate and to prevent mildew, rooms require fresh air. The most effective way to do this is by giving rooms a short but vigorous airing. Avoid opening bottom-hung windows. If you sleep with the window open, turn off the heating, otherwise you will be heating the night air.

Avoid unnecessary lighting

Empty rooms do not require lighting. Switch on the light only if you are using a room. Avoid using decorative lights and unnecessary outdoor lighting.

At home

Use as little hot water as possible

Take short showers instead of baths. Wash your hands in cold water. Do not rinse dishes under warm running water. Use the dishwasher and its eco-friendly washing programme.

Use less energy to wash clothes

Use low temperatures and eco-friendly programmes when using the washing machine. Apply the principle: as hot as necessary and as cold as possible. Wash clothes less frequently – hang your jumper out in the fresh air overnight instead.

Avoid using tumblers

Air-dry your clothes. If you must use a tumbler, choose the ‘iron dry’ programme instead of the ‘extra dry’ programme. Before drying make sure your washing has been well spun.

Iron as little as possible or avoid it altogether

Increase your fridge and freezer temperature: 7°C and -18°C

You can save energy by increasing your fridge and freezer temperatures. Raise the inside temperature of your fridge to 7°C. This has the same cooling effect but uses around 15% less energy. A freezer temperature of -18°C is sufficient to freeze and preserve food.

Save energy when cooking

Avoid meals that require long cooking times. If you can, use one hob only for cooking. Always use a lid on the pan. Switch off the oven – and if possible the hob too – earlier than necessary and use the residual heat.

Avoid using gaming consoles and gaming computers, and avoid streaming videos

Avoid using electric personal care appliances and spa treatments such as solariums, saunas, whirlpools, steam baths, infrared cabins and massage chairs

Share these energy-saving ideas with your friends and family. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!

At work

Avoid unnecessary lighting

Check offices before going home in the evening and before weekends. Switch off the lights throughout the building. Avoid using neon signs and shop window lighting.

Avoid unnecessary heating and cooling

Outside working hours, reduce the room temperature in offices and workshops to 16°C.
Check the premises before going home and close doors and windows.
Switch off the air conditioning if possible.

Share these energy-saving ideas with your work colleagues. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!

At school

Avoid unnecessary lighting

After lessons switch off the classroom lights and any lighting in the school building. Avoid unnecessary outdoor lighting.

Reduce heating to a minimum in empty rooms

Meeting rooms, sports halls and auditoriums do not need heating permanently. Similarly, the heating can be turned off throughout the school building during the school holidays.

Share these energy-saving ideas at school. Discuss them with your pupils. Saving energy together has the greatest impact!