The government approved a contingency plan consisting of 73 measures aimed at achieving additional savings in natural gas consumption in the country between 5.1% and 13.5% between last August and May 2023, the period set by the European Commission to meet this autumn/winter in the current context of the crisis due to the war in Ukraine.

At a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, Teresa Ribera, Third Vice President of the Government and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges, noted that through this plan, called “More Energy Security”, the goal is to “strengthen the strategic vision and guarantee affordable energy prices and solidarity with the rest of the Europeans.”

Ribera, who stressed that the situation in Spain on the eve of next winter “is not the same as the one experienced by” other European countries, historically more dependent on Russian gas, stressed that they received over 90 offers work on a document “constructed from a dialog” and that, given the variability of the current context, the intention is that it can be updated.

In addition, the Government has proposed a number of measures to save electricity and gas in homes.

Hot water

The executive branch wants Spaniards to use hot water wisely. It is recommended to ensure that the faucet is never left open longer than necessary.

Generally, water temperatures between 30ºC and 35ºC may be sufficient.

ventilation and light

The government states in its plan that “opening the windows for a few minutes is usually enough to refresh the air, minimizing heat loss in the home.”

Make the most of natural light. Whenever possible, replace incandescent and halogen lamps with LED technology, which lasts ten times longer and saves 85% energy.

Heating and appliances

Unplug electrical appliances when you are away from home for an extended period of time, especially the refrigerator, which consumes 30% of all household consumption. In the summer, try to take advantage of the sundial to dry your clothes.

When possible, for example, when it is necessary to upgrade equipment, replace existing heating and hot water systems with electricity from heat pumps (aerothermal, geothermal) or other renewable energy sources (biomass, solar thermal).

In this sense, it is recommended to consult with the assistance program
for the installation of renewable air conditioning systems in homes (link).

On this page, you can check the status of the call and access the Autonomous Communities e-offices to request assistance.

Renewable energy

The government asks to assess the possibility of installing renewable energy sources, for which it offers assistance. For example, installing solar photovoltaic installations and replacing existing heating and hot water systems with others such as using electricity with heat pumps (aerothermal, geothermal) or others such as biomass or solar thermal (government offers installation assistance). .

Finally, the executive branch invites you to participate in renewable energy projects through energy communities and renewable energy projects that enable citizens to participate.