Spain intends to reduce its gas consumption by 13.5% until March

It also includes an increase in the cargo capacity of the methane tankers that transport gas to other countries of the Union European (EU)among them Italy.

The plan, which includes 73 measures, also includes new rebates tax for energies renewable and incentives to encourage households to use solar panels and install gauges smartindicated the Ministry of Transition energy it’s a statement.

Unlike old meters with rotating dials, smart meters provide real-time consumption data that could incentivize consumers to reduce their usage. They also eliminate costly visits to read the meter.

Small and medium-sized businesses will also have access to increased financing so they can adopt energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.

The European Union asked member states to reduce gas consumption by up to 15% from August to March, although for some countries with less energy dependence on Russia that amount decreases, as it happens with Spain, which agreed to reduce the use by 7%.

With the new contingency plan approved this Tuesday, Spain intends, however, to reduce its gas consumption between 5.1% and 13.5% during this period.

For the Minister of Energy Transition, Teresa riverbankthe plan offers a “strategic vision of how to be safer, how to guarantee a greater affordability at the price of energy and greater solidarity with other Europeans,” he said.

Spain hardly uses Russian gas, but with the reduction in energy consumption, the Pedro Sánchez government hopes to free up part of the gas that it usually buys from countries other than Russia so that it can be purchased by states that are trying to reduce their dependence on Moscow.

Spain already put limits in August on the temperature of air conditioning in its offices, stores and other public places as part of an effort to reduce energy consumption in the country.