The cities and municipalities with their citizens face a new challenge. Due to gas shortages and the extremely increased energy costs caused by the war in Ukraine, Germany is confronted with an energy crisis. "To overcome this situation and to both save energy and counteract the associated cost increases in the city administration, we are temporarily implementing various measures," explains Mayor Christiane Blatt.
A coordination group within the city administration has identified concrete options for reducing energy costs, which largely coincide with proposals from the Association of Towns and Municipalities (SSGT). “These measures will have a noticeable impact on our familiar and cherished environment – and not only for public facilities serving the citizens but also for the employees of the city administration,” notes Christiane Blatt.
In addition, the federal government has adopted a package of measures effective from September 1st, which prescribes certain energy reduction measures for municipal administrations.
The following short-term package of measures is being implemented by the Völklingen city administration, among others: The air conditioning in the town hall during the summer and the heating in winter, as well as those of other administrative branches and workplaces, will be significantly reduced (according to regulations, down to 19 degrees Celsius in winter and 26 degrees Celsius in summer). Where necessary, the hot water preparation will also be turned off.
Adjustments to the heating temperature are also being made in primary schools. "Due to corona health protection, the ventilation devices will continue to be operated to reduce the viral load," says the mayor.
Changes will also have to be expected in sports halls. Here, the shower water temperature will be reduced to 36 degrees Celsius. The ventilation and heating systems are already set to a low temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. Club users of municipal properties must also adhere to temperature regulations. The same temperature requirements for public buildings will apply here (e.g., 19 degrees Celsius for physically light, seated activities).
A reduction in the water temperature is also planned for the municipal indoor swimming pool. The end of the outdoor pool season and the switch to the indoor pool season depend on the good weather conditions and the preparatory work yet to be started.
A temporary closure of facilities to absorb the massive price increases in district heating and electricity would also be an option.
"The conversion of street lighting to energy-saving LED technology has been underway for some time. Here, too, we will work together with the municipal utilities to explore options for adjusting switching times or even turning off some lights entirely." It will also be noticeable when the floodlights on public buildings and prominent landmarks in the city are switched off. The exterior lighting of the New City Hall is already out of operation, and the Old City Hall as well as the illumination of various churches that define the cityscape will follow shortly. Likewise, the pumps of fountains in the urban area are no longer active.
Due to the announced price increases by energy suppliers in Germany, the mayor also appeals to the citizens of Völklingen to consider their own energy savings in private households. "It is not yet clear how severely we will be affected, but we all need to prepare accordingly!" said Christiane Blatt.
In this context, the city administration also draws attention to various information offers on the topic of energy saving in private households from the Saarland Consumer Advice Center:
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-saarland.de/beratung-sl/beratungsstellen
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-saarland.de/beratung-sl/telefonberatung
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-saarland.de/beratung-sGeneral l/appointment booking
https://verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de/beratung/online/
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-saarland.de/wissen/energie
