Spanish parliament upholds energy-saving decree

Introduced as part of the European Union's push to wean itself off Russian gas, the emergency energy savings range from mandatory temperature limits for air-conditioning or heating to turning off lights in public buildings and shop windows. Whether the measures, approved by 187-161 votes, will help Spain meet its European commitment to cut gas usage by 7% remains to be seen, however, as utilities have been using more gas lately after a severe drought limited hydro-electric output.

Spain's parliament approved the minority government's energy-saving decree on Thursday, ratifying a set of unpopular measures in force since Aug. 10 that the administration says has already cut electricity consumption. Introduced as part of the European Union's push to wean itself off Russian gas, the emergency energy savings range from mandatory temperature limits for air-conditioning or heating to turning off lights in public buildings and shop windows.

Whether the measures, approved by 187-161 votes, will help Spain meet its European commitment to cut gas usage by 7% remains to be seen, however, as utilities have been using more gas lately after a severe drought limited hydro-electric output. Further measures are expected next month. The main opposition parties have criticised the measures as improvised, inefficient and harmful for the economy. (Reorting by Belen Carreno, writing by Andrei Khalip)