Slovenia’s Energy Agency issues gas crisis warning

Gas transmission and supply in Slovenia are still running smoothly, but the Energy Agency warned there would be disruptions if flows from Russia are reduced. At the same time, the government introduced a range of energy-saving measures like limiting heating and cooling in public buildings.

As the competent authority responsible for ensuring a reliable supply of natural gas, Slovenia’s Energy Agency declared an early warning level. It is the first of four gas crisis stages.

The decision comes into force on July 12. The transmission and supply are running smoothly, the regulator said, but also added that disruptions in supply may occur if the flow of gas from Russia is reduced.

Suppliers and industrial customers should monitor developments and consider alternative options

“Whether disruptions will occur and to what extent or duration, we cannot answer with certainty at this moment. The agency urges natural gas consumers to use natural gas rationally. The agency informs industrial customers that if the situation requires the declaration of a higher level of crisis, there may be an interruption of supply or a requirement to switch to the use of alternative energy sources. Suppliers and industrial customers should regularly monitor developments and the situation on the natural gas market and consider alternative options,” the announcement reads.

Government aims to save 10% of energy with emergency measures

The agency triggered the gas crisis warning just days after the government of Prime Minister Robert Golob adopted measures and recommendations for the efficient use of energy in buildings run by local authorities and the wider public sector. The goal is to save 10% of energy.

Cooling in public administration buildings can’t go below 25 degrees

The cabinet pointed to the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan to eliminate the dependence on Russian fossil fuels and said energy savings, supply diversification and accelerated deployment of renewables can help meet the targets. Such measures are also important to overcome the climate crisis, it added.

The state and local administrations need to limit cooling to 25 degrees Celsius if the relative humidity of the air is not higher than 60%. An exception was made for buildings that have a purpose that makes it impossible to comply with the rule. The buildings need to be closed on weekends and holidays and from 18:00 to 7:00 on workdays except when it is necessary to work. At times when they are closed, air can’t be cooled below 28 degrees.

Heating limited to 20 degrees Celsius

The government requested not to heat the premises to more than 20 degrees Celsius except, again, in special cases. Building managers are responsible for the reduction in energy use and they must work on additional energy efficiency measures and invest in the use of renewables, particularly for heating, according to the decision. Dress codes should be adapted accordingly, the announcement adds.

The government also adopted a draft law on the ratification of the agreement with Italy on solidarity measures to ensure the reliability of the gas supply. The deal was signed in April.