Europe energy crisis: Italians told to turn thermostats down
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Loading... - Farish Danial
- 11 Oct 2022
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Under a new government decree, buildings will face an extra fifteen days without central heating.
Italians will also be told to turn their heating down by one degree, and off for an extra hour a day.
Some buildings will be exempt, including nurseries and hospitals.
The move comes as governments across Europe look to reduce demand and shore up energy supplies ahead of winter.
Many were dependent on gas from Russia, which has been restricted following the war in Ukraine.
Before February's invasion, Italy was the second-largest importer of Russian gas in the EU, with imports making up 40% of its total supply.
This is now down to just 10%, as Rome has turned to other sources of energy and liquified natural gas.
The country normally restricts the use of central heating in warmer months, with its use determined by regional governments.
With bills already soaring, reactions from Italians have been mixed.
"For old people who will stay at home a lot of time, probably it will be a problem for them," one told the BBC.
"It's probably needed, but it's hard. Now that this crisis is affecting us personally, it could lead more people to change their view on still backing sanctions on Russia," said another. Read More...
