Europe energy crisis: France to stop hot water supply in public offices

Paris: France is set to stop hot water supply in public buildings in an attempt to conserve energy. The government has ordered municipalities to reduce the temperature by 1°C in swimming pools.

The French government employs over five million people and hot water production accounts for 10% of the energy bill. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to reduce the country's energy consumption by 40% by 2050 in order to fight climate change.

Europe is reeling under the energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war.

The energy ministry said the government is due to announce sector-by-sector energy saving measures on Thursday. This is to avoid power outages and fuel shortages in the winter. Industry, households, and municipal authorities are instructed to reduce energy consumption by 10%, reported Reuters.

An official statement said the new plans require a lasting change in habits and behaviour.