ROME, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government's environmental protection chief on Friday outlined measures to cut back on energy use this winter, at a time of surging prices.
Starting in October, heating systems in public buildings will be set to lower temperatures, and turned off for longer periods.
Roberto Cingolani, Italy's Minister of Ecological Transition, said that private businesses and families will be encouraged to take similar steps in order to use less gas and reduce energy bills. The minister said Italy could significantly reduce dependence on imported natural gas through conservation and other measures.
"By making minimal reductions in heating temperatures, plus the use of alternative fuels for limited periods of time, and the optimized use of energy, it will be possible to achieve savings of between 3 and 6 billion cubic meters of gas per year," Cingolani said at Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government, on Friday.
Based on 2021 figures, if Italy uses 6 billion fewer cubic meters of gas, this will be the equivalent to around 8.3 percent of the country's annual consumption of natural gas.
The plan announced by Cingolani means that radiators in public buildings, and in business and residential buildings with central heating, will be restricted from being turned up to maximum levels. They will also be set one degree lower, at 19 degrees Celsius instead of 20, and turned off for at least one hour per day.
Some financial relief will also be provided to help keep energy bills lower, Cingolani said.
Italy's natural gas reserves are approaching 83 percent of capacity, the minister said. The government's goal is to reach at least 90 percent of capacity by the time winter arrives.
The ministry said the plan would be included in a decree that Cingolani will formally sign next week. ■