Many Saxon cities again illuminate their buildings and monuments

With the end of the Energy Saving Ordinance on April 15, the previously deactivated lights in some cities in Saxony will be switched on again, at least partially. According to the city, Leipzig's mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) has arranged to relight a total of 238 buildings whose lighting has been switched off since the end of July 2022. These include, for example, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, the Gewandhaus and St. Thomas Church. Jung supported the lighting, if the federal government these days no other regulation, it was said.

In late summer 2022, the federal government had reacted to the energy crisis with savings requirements for cities and municipalities. According to the regulation on short-term energy-saving measures, for example, the highest room temperature in public workplaces should be reduced to 19 degrees. Hot water for washing hands should no longer be available as a rule. Similarly, buildings, monuments and advertising spaces should no longer be lit at certain times. On this Saturday (15.4.), these requirements expire.

In the state capital Dresden, the bridges will be lit again from April 16, according to a city spokeswoman. The municipal buildings are to remain however first in the dark.

Plauen activates with the expiration of the energy saving regulation the lighting deactivated in the meantime again. This was determined by Mayor Steffen Zenner, as the city of Plauen announced.

In Görlitz it is planned to illuminate at least again historical buildings and monuments. This confirmed a city spokeswoman. However, the lights are switched on for technical reasons only to May 1.

Some cities are still undecided, however. In Chemnitz, for example, internal administrative votes are currently taking place. According to the city, a decision is not expected until early next week.