"Do we prefer peace or air conditioning all summer?". The words spoken two weeks ago by Mario Draghi about the possibility of sanctions also on Russian gas and oil caused a lot of discussion.
And now, to ward off the effects of the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine, to reduce consumption and use less Russian gas, a squeeze on air conditioning is about to arrive. At least in public offices, including schools. An austerity plan called the "thermostat operation".
The Environment and Production Activities committees approved an amendment to the bill decree, which then also obtained the approval of the Chamber, which imposes a tightening on radiators and air conditioners.
From 1 May 2022 to 31 March 2023, the weighted average temperature in public buildings must not be below 27 degrees in summer or above 19 in winter, with two degrees of tolerance (therefore essentially a minimum of 25 degrees in summer and a maximum of 21 in winter).
Measure that does not apply to clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. In case of violation of the law, fines of 500 to 3 thousand euros are foreseen. The plan would make it possible to save between two and four billion cubic meters of gas.
Two nodes remain. The first is that of checks, which should be done in all buildings of the PA, the second is to extend these rules to private individuals as well. So the shops and all the homes of the Italians, which is also hypothesized and which would further complicate the knot of checks.
Another measure under study is the one that could bring darkness in the municipalities, limiting the number of street lamps lit and the hours of lighting.
(Unioneonline / L)
