Riga hopes to save EUR 10 million by cutting energy consumption - mayor

RIGA - The local government on Riga hopes to save an estimated EUR 10 million by cutting energy consumption, Mayor Martins Stakis informed at a news conference Thursday. 

The Riga mayor said he would issue a decree on measures providing for reducing energy consumption by 15 percent. 

In 2021, municipal institutions' electricity and gas bills totaled EUR 23 million, but in 2023 these expenses might grow to an estimated EUR 75 million. 

In Stakis' words, in September 2022 the municipality's energy costs will grow fourfold against September 2021. 

To pay off these bills, the local government has earmarked EUR 32.4 million in its budget and is planning to allocate EUR 5.3 million more in the amended budget. 

The city's energy saving plans include lowering air temperature in municipal buildings, including schools, to 20.5 degrees centigrade during the working hours and lowering it even more when these premises are closed. 

There are also plans to control ventilation systems, limit hot water consumption and upgrade lighting by switching to LED lights. 

Electricity will be saved also by turning off some streetlights. From 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. lights will be left only in parks, underpasses, pedestrian crossings and areas where total darkness might foster criminal activity.