Down a degree – Energy saving measures are starting to bite but more effort is needed

The national energy saving campaign, ‘Down a degree’, starts today. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has caused a difficult energy situation in all of Europe. Saving energy is a quick and effective way to relieve the energy crisis and save money.  

Nearly nine out of ten Finnish people reported saving energy, according to a Citizens’ Pulse survey published in September. Recent data from the main grid operator Fingrid show that electricity consumption fell by seven per cent in September compared with the same month a year ago. 

“Finnish people have really started to save energy on a broad front and the results speak for themselves. However, winter is only just coming, so more effort will be needed from all,” says Kati Laakso, Director of Communications at Motiva. 

The ‘Down a degree’ campaign launched today encourages people, companies and other organisations to save energy through everyday actions. The updated goal of the campaign is to persuade at least 95 per cent of Finnish households to save energy and to lower the demand for electricity during peak times. The long-term objective is to achieve a permanent reduction in energy consumption.

With many effective measures available, now is the time to put them into use

Particularly effective measures include lowering the room temperature, reducing electricity consumption during the peak demand hours (weekdays at 8–10 and 16–20), using less warm water and driving slower. Information about the energy saving measures that are most suitable for your circumstances is available on the ‘Down a degree’ campaign website.

While households play an important role in saving energy, they are not responsible for it alone. Central government, companies and various organisations are also involved. Already, 541 entities have entered the campaign, pledging to take concrete steps to save energy. Information on the campaign partners and their energy saving efforts can be found on the campaign website.

Saving energy ensures the sustainability of electricity system

Saving energy will help ensure its sufficiency in Finland, contribute to a sustainable electricity system and curb the rise in energy prices. The European Commission has also expressed the wish that all Member States encourage and support their citizens and organisations to save energy through campaigns. 

The ‘Down a degree’ campaign is organised in cooperation by the government’s sustainable development company Motiva, the Energy Authority, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of the Environment, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

The campaign organisers are also involved in efforts to save energy. For example, Senate Properties, which is responsible for government real estate, will begin an extensive energy saving programme in government buildings. The amount of energy saved will correspond to the annual consumption of approximately 3,750 single-family houses. Read more about the energy saving measures taken by the campaign organisers on the campaign website.

How I can participate?

• You can share your own energy saving tips on social media using the hashtag #AstettaAlemmas. 
• Companies and organisations can register as campaign partners on the ‘Down a degree’ website.

Inquiries: 
Kati Laakso, Director of Communications, Motiva, tel. +358 9 6122 5023 
Matti Hirvola, Director of Communications, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7052 
Juhani Tirkkonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 506 2140 (energy efficiency and energy savings) 
Petteri Kuuva, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 506 4819 (energy situation)
Heikki Väisänen, Director (energy efficiency), Energy Authority, tel. +358 29 505 0120 Jussi Salmi, Director of Communications, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 29 525 0263 
Jyri Rantala, Deputy Director of Communications, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 29 516 0622 
Tuula Hietaniemi, Leading Specialist, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, tel. +358 29 461 8411