Business groups launch energy saving appeal to prevent winter gas shortfalls

German business associations have launched an appeal to redouble energy saving efforts in order to avoid gas shortfalls this winter. “The heating period is less than 100 days away and is approaching fast,” said the nine lobby groups, which include renewable energy association BEE, efficiency advocates DENEFF, and the association of energy intensive businesses VIK. “At the same time, a permanent stoppage of Russian gas supplies remains a realistic scenario.” According to the appeal, many citizens and businesses can barely cope with today’s energy prices. “Saving energy therefore makes more sense than ever – for your own wallet and warm homes in winter, but also for the preservation of our national economy,” the group statement explained. 

Lowering energy consumption in all sectors will be crucial over the coming weeks, meaning businesses, municipalities and private households must make a joint effort. “Only together will we succeed in exploiting as much savings potential as possible [...] Whether in factories and office buildings or in private homes and rented flats – wherever energy is consumed on a daily basis, savings can often be implemented quickly and effectively,” the groups stated.

Russia has resumed gas supplies to Germany through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline following a 10-day closure for annual maintenance work, but the low utilisation at around 40 percent capacity shows that Germany “cannot rely on deliveries,” according to the government. To ensure gas storages are full before winter, the government introduced a new target to fill them to 75 percent by 1 September, 85 percent by 1 October and 95 percent by 1 November.