Don't worry, "France will always be the City of Light", the president assured the Parisians. In an attempt to save energy ahead of the winter season, the Parisian government has decided to turn off the Eiffel Tower's iconic light display an hour and fifteen minutes earlier every night. Lowering the water temperature in municipal swimming pools and delaying the heating of public buildings are also expected to take effect as part of President Emmanuel Macron's goal of reducing energy consumption by 10% in industries and homes, reports Reuters.
The move comes as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its seventh month and the international community struggles to prepare for the possibility that Russia could cut gas supplies. Before the start of the war, Russia supplied Europe with 40% of gas; now it provides only nine percent.
The landmark, situated in the Champs de Mar district of Paris, currently offers spectators a dazzling light show at the start of every hour until 1am, when more than 20,000 light bulbs come on and off like fireworks. As of September 23, the wrought-iron structure's lights will go out at 11:45 pm, adding to a 4% reduction in energy costs. The public building lights will dim at 10 pm and the heat will decrease to 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit); the temperature in public pools will be reduced from one degree to 25 degrees Celsius. Despite the measures, the president of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, assured the public that “France will always be the City of Light”.
