Hanover in Germany to switch off hot water because of Russian gas crisis

The German city says it’s leading the way by becoming the first big city to switch to cold water for use in public swimming baths and sports centres.

Hanover has become the first big city to turn off the hot water because of the Russian gas crisis.

The German city will turn off the heating and switch to cold water in public swimming baths and sports centres to cut energy use by 15 per cent.

“We believe we have a responsibility and must take a lead,” the Green mayor of Hanover, Belit Onay, said.

Public buildings will be heated to no more than 20C this winter, with a maximum of 10C to 15C for technical and storage rooms.

Cities across Germany are imposing energy-saving measures to conserve supplies during the winter after Russia reduced gas supplies.

In Berlin the lights were turned off at 200 public buildings, including the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral, while Cologne is considering shutting off the illumination of its cathedral.

The government has also warned households that a planned gas surcharge on customers could be far higher than expected, to shield energy companies from bankruptcy.

“We can’t say yet how much gas will cost in November, but the bitter news is it’s definitely a few hundred euros per household,” Robert Habeck, the economy minister, said. Some reports have said the levy could cost families an extra €500 ($730) a year.

Bettina Jarasch of the Greens, Berlin’s regional environment minister, said: “In view of the war against Ukraine and Russia’s energy policy threats, it is important that we handle our energy as carefully as possible. This especially applies to the public sector.”

It will take three to four weeks for all the illuminations to be switched off.

Habeck has accused Russia of waging “an economic war” to break Europe’s resolve to support Ukraine.

“We’re in a serious situation. It is time that everybody understood that,” he said.

The Times