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In response to rising energy prices and dwindling oil and natural gas imports from Russia, Germany is launching a set of binding measures to reduce energy consumption nationwide. Here's what this entails.

Germany is imposing regulations to reduce electricity and energy consumption

In Germany, prices for gasoline and public transport surged on September 1st, as government subsidies expired. The price for natural gas — which half of all households use for heating — and for electricity has skyrocketed and food prices are affected by rising inflation.

The government is trying to encourage consumers and businesses to save energy in whichever way they can to prevent a shortage during the winter months asRussia continues to reduce flows of natural gas to Germany.

The Energy Saving Ordinance comes into force today for six months. This is what it entails:

Public buildings and monuments have to go dark at 10 p.m.

A second set of rules will come into force in October, apply for two years, and stipulate longer-term energy-saving measures. For example, all owners of buildings with a gas heating system must have a heating efficiency checkup.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck from the environmentalist Green Party says he expects the measures to reduce gas consumption "by around two, two and a half percent" and calls it a "small but indispensable contribution."

Against the backdrop of gas shortages caused by a lack of Russian gas supplies, EU countries have committed to reducing their gas consumption by 15%. In Germany, the reduction target has been set at 20% percent.

While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing.

The nightmare scenario of a cold winter without access to heating seems to be off the table, according to Germany's economy minister, while Russian gas now accounts for less than 10% of Germany's consumption.  

The EU wants to reduce its gas consumption by at least 15%. Germany will probably have to save even more. How is that supposed to work?  

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