Record drought: E.ON introduced extraordinary energy-saving measures

In response to the exceptional situation caused by the prolonged heatwave and reduced nuclear power generation capacity, and in support of the government’s call for energy conservation, E.ON Hungária Group introduced extraordinary energy-saving measures at its sites in Budapest and across the country in early August. The measures were aimed at helping to conserve environmental resources and reduce the load on the electricity system. At the same time, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for customers remained a top priority: throughout this exceptional period, E.ON employees maintained an enhanced level of operational readiness to respond swiftly to any potential faults.

Although the government subsequently withdrew its call for extraordinary energy-saving measures, E.ON considered it important to continue using energy responsibly and efficiently in its own operations and therefore kept the measures in place until 20 August.

The measures focused primarily on reducing energy consumption in buildings. Across more than one hundred E.ON sites, the use of air conditioning was reduced during the day, while between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. air-conditioning systems were switched off completely, with the exception of buildings required for the operation of critical infrastructure. Employees were also encouraged to share office spaces, allowing air conditioning to be switched off entirely in unoccupied rooms.

The use of certain electrical equipment was also restricted. Electric vehicles at E.ON sites could only be charged between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Façade lighting, illuminated signs, decorative lighting and advertising displays were temporarily switched off, while internal communication screens were also taken out of operation. Employees were encouraged to hold meetings online instead of in person, thereby also reducing energy consumption associated with travel.

During this exceptional period, every kilowatt-hour saved made a difference: responsible energy use helped reduce the load on the electricity system.