The Spanish government will today approve the decree law on energy saving despite opposition from conservatives. Certain measures of the law, such as the air conditioning temperature threshold, will come into force on Wednesday August 10. Some regions have announced that they will file a lawsuit.
With our correspondent in Madrid, Diane Cambon
Air conditioning at 27 degrees, lighting of the windows off at 10 p.m. or even reductions in rail transport, Spain is seeking to save energy before winter and to adopt a more ecological attitude in passing.
The decree law which should allow the country to reduce its dependence on gas by 7%, like Portugal, against 15% for the rest of Europe, is however not unanimous.
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The regions governed by the right, in particular Madrid, denounce an invasion of regional powers and threaten to lead movements of insubordination. The Conservatives also ensure that certain professional sectors such as tourism will see their services degraded.
But the socialist executive is very firm and has already warned that institutions or companies that do not comply with the new measures may be punished with a fine of up to 60,000 euros.
However, not all sectors are in the same boat: hospitals, restaurant kitchens, public transport or hairdressing salons will be able to benefit from a temperature cooler than 27 degrees.