PARIS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne sent a circular to all the cabinet ministers with detailed instructions for saving energy, French news channel BFMTV reported on Tuesday.
Borne called on all the ministers to reduce energy consumption and accelerate the exit of fossil fuels in order to "set a good example for the entire society," who is expected to make the same energy-saving efforts, she said in the circular.
Public administrations, ministries and other public service facilities should turn on air-conditioning only when the indoor temperature tops 26 degrees Celsius. Lights and electric devices should be turned off when not in use, said Borne.
Meanwhile, their office buildings should be equipped with thermostats, and heating should be switched on only when the indoor temperature falls below 19 degrees Celsius, she said.
When the air-conditioner or heating is on, they should make sure to keep their entrance doors shut, Borne said in the circular.
She encouraged governmental officials to adopt more sustainable ways of commuting, such as carpooling, riding bikes or driving electric vehicles, to "be an example in energy-saving."
As many people are ready to leave for summer holidays, French government spokesperson Oliver Veran recently reminded the public to switch off the lights, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning before leaving their homes.
In another development, minister of energy transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher announced on Sunday some future energy-saving decrees demanding air-conditioned stores to keep their doors closed and limit illuminated advertisements.
In his national day interview on July 14, French President Emmanuel Macron also warned that the French would have to cut energy consumption to prepare for possible shortages this fall amid the persisting Ukraine crisis. ■
