Although the gas storage facilities are full thanks to the current efforts, this does not yet mean that the all-clear has been given. Preparations for a possible gas shortage or even a blackout are still a high priority. Communication exercises with the municipalities and the provision of emergency accommodation are therefore on the agenda. "We are continuing our work in crisis preparedness, because when the going gets tough, every exercise pays off," explains Jasper Pommerin, the crisis manager responsible for civil protection at the district office.
The district and municipalities have been working together for months within their respective areas of responsibility to prepare for a crisis and save as much energy as possible at the same time. In October, 43% of heat energy and 35% of electricity was already saved at Asperg Town Hall. "I'm noticing a lot of acceptance among the administrative staff, but also in the schools," reports Alexander Greschik, Energy and Climate Protection Manager in Asperg.
The district administration's efforts in building management and communication are also having an impact. Together with WTT CampusONE and the district administrator, the climate protection team has customized an e-training course "Saving energy together" for the district office and has now made it mandatory for all employees.
When it comes to hot water and room temperature in sports halls, local authorities are still struggling to find the "golden path" between energy savings and well-being. Here, the district and municipalities would like a clear statement from the state of Baden-Württemberg. Before that, it will hardly be possible to achieve a uniform approach in the district either.
Although the news of full gas storage facilities is reassuring, the Federal Network Agency's scenarios show that security of supply depends on many different factors: If there is no long cold spell, Germany releases less gas to its neighbors, current gas flows remain constant and at least 20 percent of gas continues to be saved, the experts estimate that we could get through the winter just fine.
As the developments in the first three conditions are difficult to predict and can only be partially influenced, the energy-saving measures already initiated by the administration, the economy and the population must be continued. "Saving now is in any case less drastic than the consequences should there be a shortage or shortage after all," warns Pommerin.
The local authorities in the district also support this principle. In energy management, a great deal of time is invested in optimizing and converting the technical systems as well as in raising awareness among employees and school staff. Across Germany, the figures give hope and show that saving energy works. Thanks to the mild October, it has now even been possible to fall short of the gas savings target by 22.8% (BDEW, as at 11/2022). However, with increasingly cold temperatures, this trend could reverse again. Saving energy remains urgently necessary.
