Quote from Savings Beagle on August 5, 2022, 9:29 am

We've been hearing a lot about how European countries will have to batten down the hatches for the coming winter with regard to energy usage.

Prices are already at astronomical levels for many countries in Europe, and restrictions are being encouraged.  One example is the 15% recommendation for the reduction of natural gas usage.  While that may not sound like much, for a business, especially one that manufactures goods, that can be a huge hit to productivity.  Luckily, right now, that's just a recommendation, but the warning has been sounded by government officials that it could become a requirement.

Now we're seeing from Spain, an actual requirement for indoor temperature restrictions backed by significant fines for violating the rule.

Spain Bans A/C Dropping Below 80 Degrees F, Threatens Massive Fines

Citing “a real risk of a natural gas shortage during the coming winter," the Spanish government has decreed that all shops, department stores, cinemas, hotels and public buildings cannot have air conditioning set below 27 degrees Celsius (just below 81 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer, heating above 19 degrees in the winter (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

You can read the full article at this link.

Europe is facing a much more difficult energy/economic situation than we are in the U.S. due to its energy generation decisions over the years and its reliance on Russia for large portions of its reliable energy.

Hopefully, something will change so that the significantly detrimental effects won't be as bad as anticipated for European citizens.  And that we, in the U.S., won't see shockwaves that'll increase the economic costs we're already experiencing.