Responding to the energy situation 2022–2023
Disruptions in the price and availability of electricity have been forecast for the winter of 2022–2023, and we are preparing for the situation in several ways. This page contains energy-saving guidelines and tips for residents, as well as news and information about the city’s own energy-saving measures.
We will update the content on this page as we get more information.
On the Hello Espoo website, you can find information about preparing for power outages in the following languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Ukrainian and Somali.
The multilingual InfoFinland.fi has information about saving energy(external link) in 12 different languages.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has published information on energy saving and possible power shortages in 9 languages: Finnish(external link), Swedish(external link), English(external link), Arabic(external link), Chinese(external link), Persian(external link), Ukrainian(external link), Estonian(external link), Russian(external link).
Caruna is responsible for electricity distribution in Espoo. You can monitor the current situation on their electricity outages map(external link). Subscribe to Caruna’s power cut notifications(external link) via text message or email.
- Caruna: Electricity shortage – What does it mean and how should I prepare?(external link)
- Instructions for power outages: 72hours.fi/power-outage(external link).
In the Espoo area, water services are provided by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY).
HSY: Preparing for power outages(external link)
The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) maintains the public transportation network of the area. HSL is preparing for energy rationing and possible power outages together with other traffic service operators. In addition, it is recommend that everyone follow the information publish on possible disruptions on HSL.fi and the HSL app.
Espoo saves energy through concrete measures
Espoo’s City Board approved the energy preparedness team’s proposal for the following energy-saving measures:
- On the premises used by the city, the indoor temperature will be reduced to approximately +20.5 °C. The indoor temperature will not be reduced at, for example, children’s day care centres or round-the-clock housing units for the elderly or people with disabilities.
- Ventilation will be regulated according to operating times without compromising indoor air quality. Ventilation changes will not be made at round-the-clock housing units for the elderly or people with disabilities, swimming pools or sites where acute indoor air problems have been detected.
- The city will no longer light up the facade of its premises, and yard lights will be switched off for the night.
- Led-powered street lights will be programmed to be dimmed at night where it’s technically possible.
- Artificial turfs will be heated for shorter periods of time, and the ice rink maintenance season will be reduced in the winter.
- Peak periods of energy demand are avoided when using snow-making machines at ski tracks.
- The temperature of the saunas at the swimming pools is regulated.
Day-care centres
Our early childhood education units are prepared for power outages due to a possible shortage of electricity during the winter. The aim is to manage a possible electricity shortage at the national level through power outages in situations where electricity consumption exceeds production.
Daily peak loads usually occur in the morning and early evening and, on an annual level, consumption is at its highest on cold winter days. In case of an electricity shortage, the supply of electricity may be restricted, for example, for two hours in specific areas. Information on an electricity shortage may be provided in advance at a national or regional level if the situation is foreseeable. Power outages may also occur unexpectedly.
Early childhood education will be provided during short power outages. Our staff are prepared and planning suitable activities in advance for these situations and will contact guardians if necessary.
If it is not possible to prepare meals due to a power outage, children will be served an alternative cold meal. There is enough food to cover all meals. Allergies and special dietary needs will be taken into account.
Day care centre staff will discuss possible power outages with children at an age-appropriate level, but we recommend that you also discuss the issue at home. It is important to make sure that children have enough warm clothes with them in case of a power outage and an interruption in the supply of heating. Children should have their own water bottles with them.
Comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools
Our schools are prepared for power outages due to a possible shortage of electricity during the winter. The aim is to manage a possible electricity shortage at the national level through power outages in situations where electricity consumption exceeds production.
Daily peak loads usually occur in the morning and early evening and, on an annual level, consumption is at its highest on cold winter days. In case of an electricity shortage, the supply of electricity may be restricted, for example, for two hours in specific areas. Information on an electricity shortage may be provided in advance at a national or regional level if the situation is foreseeable. Power outages may also occur unexpectedly.
Our aim is to organise matriculation examinations in all circumstances.
Our schools will provide education and ensure everyone’s safety during possible power outages. Basic education will be provided as contact teaching and general upper secondary education as contact teaching or distance learning, depending on the situation. Our staff are prepared for possible power outages and will contact guardians if necessary.
School transport services will operate as usual on these days. If it is not possible to prepare meals due to a power outage, children and young people will be served an alternative cold meal. Allergies and special dietary needs will be taken into account.
Young schoolchildren’s afternoon activities and special groups’ morning and afternoon care will be organised as usual during power outages.
School staff will discuss possible power outages with children and young people at an age-appropriate level, but we recommend that you also discuss the issue at home. It is important that children and young people wear enough warm clothes at school in case of a power outage. If they want, children and young people can bring a water bottle with them.
Youth centres
Our youth centres also ensure young people’s safety during possible power outages. Staff are prepared and planning suitable activities for the duration of power outages and will contact guardians if necessary.
In culture premises such as libraries, museums and cultural houses, activities are suspended and customers are guided outside or directed to a safe location to wait for the power outage to end.
In swimming pools and other indoor sports facilities, activities are suspended and guests are guided out.