Magyar urges citizens to save electricity and water ahead of heatwave
Péter Magyar warned of five “most critical” days and said Paks nuclear plant will stop producing power tomorrow as temperatures approach 40°C.
Hungary’s prime minister, Péter Magyar, urged citizens on Sunday to conserve electricity and water as his country braces for a severe heatwave with daytime temperatures expected to reach 40°C.
“The most critical five days lie ahead of us. Tomorrow the Paks nuclear power plant will no longer produce electricity, and the hottest days with temperatures of 40 degrees are coming,” the Hungarian prime minister said, warning that the electricity system, public services and households will face heavy strain.
Measures requested from households and institutions
Magyar asked the public to pay special attention to children, the elderly, the sick and people living alone, and to reduce electricity use—particularly between 17:00 and 22:00, and especially between 18:00 and 21:00.
He appealed to companies, public institutions and local governments to cut or postpone consumption during those peak hours. Management of shopping centres was asked to lower building cooling, while local and religious institutions were asked to temporarily switch off decorative lighting.
The prime minister also warned that if voluntary reductions are insufficient, the government will introduce mandatory limits for large consumers.
Officials did not provide an immediate timetable for possible compulsory measures, saying first they expect citizens and organizations to cooperate during the forecast peak period.
Photo: press material from the event
