The government approved energy saving measures. Last August 1, RDL 14/2022 was approved, on economic sustainability measures in the field of transport, grants and study aids, as well as saving measures, energy efficiency and reduction of energy dependence on natural gas. In this entry, we will focus on the measures related to energy saving.
Energy saving measures
There are several measures that must be complied with by different types of companies and/or establishments.
Air temperature
In buildings and premises intended for administrative, commercial (stores, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centers and similar) and public use (Cultural: theaters, cinemas, auditoriums, congress centers, exhibition halls and similar. Establishments of public spectacles and recreational activities. Catering, such as bars, restaurants and cafeterias. Transportation of people, such as stations and airports.
In all these cases, the temperature shall be limited to:
- 19 ºC in heated enclosures.
- 27 ºC in refrigerated enclosures
These temperatures shall be referred to the maintenance of a relative humidity between 30% and 70%.
These limits shall not be required in those enclosures that justify the need to maintain special environmental conditions.
Obligation to report measures
In the affected enclosures must be informed, by means of posters or visible screens, the application measures related to the limit values of air temperatures. Information on temperature and humidity, door opening and inspection and maintenance regimes.
Door locking system
Affected enclosures with access from the street should have a “suitable” door locking system. This may consist of a simple automatic door closing arm” (SIC), to prevent the doors from remaining open permanently. This measure comes into force on September 30, 2022.
Shop window lighting
Shop windows will have to be kept off from 10 p.m. onwards.
Infringements and fines for energy saving measures
Infringements may be divided into minor or serious, according to the provisions of articles 30 to 38 of Law 21/1992 on Industry, on administrative infringements.
For minor infractions, fines can reach up to 60,000€.
In the case of infringements considered serious, up to 6,000,000€.
And for very serious infringements, up to 100 million €.
