Partners of the coalition have different opinions about the need to impose energy austerity measures in Latvia, according to what representatives of political parties forming the government have said on the topic.
Attīstībai/Par! (AP) Saeima faction deputy Mārtiņš Bondars believes the best motivation save up energy is the market price, because it is the reason why residents and businessmen are now thinking of ways to save money. At the same time, the government has to think about measures to reduce the impact of inflation using fiscal instruments.
New Unity’s chairman Ainars Latkovskis believes high energy prices have caused residents and businessmen to look for ways to save money. He mentioned that many residents install solar panels, purchase new electricity devices and other measures to help save resources.
«I don’t know if we can compare to Spain, where winter doesn’t really happen,» said Latkovskis, mentioning that Latvia cannot save up energy resources on a level southern countries do.
Latvia has harsher winters than average across Europe. Winters in Latvia are colder and heating is highly important, said Latkovskis.
Member of the National Alliance Aleksandrs Kiršteins believes Latvia should regulate energy austerity, adding that there are already regulations in place that present energy efficiency requirements for households.
Leader of the Conservative faction Krišjānis Feldmans stresses the government and Ministry of Economics will need to publish estimates regarding stores of natural gas and prepare an energy austerity plan for state institutions even if such a step causes inconveniences.
The austerity plan in state institutions would benefit preservation of gas stores for household needs, explained Feldmans.
The energy crisis affects all of Europe. In Spain, for example, the government has decided to impose restrictions for heating, air conditioning and lighting.
In all public sector buildings and shopping malls, movie theatres, job places, hotels, railway stations and airports it will not be allowed to set thermostats below +27 C in summer and higher than +19 C during winter.