Energy management for lighting in business premises until 29 October 2023

ENVIRONMENT

Ministerial Order no. 2023-426 of 14 July 2023 on the energy management of lighting and interior lighting, facades, shop windows and signs on certain business premises during the summer period (JDM no. 8652 of 21 July 2023), is applicable until 29 October 2023.

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Obligations

→ The lighting on the external facades of business premises and spaces, including all establishments and shops, as well as the lighting in shop windows and in front of the said premises and the signs and luminous motifs attached to them, must be switched off between midnight and 5 a.m. (except when they are open and in operation at times between these limits).

→ The interior lighting of business premises and spaces must be switched off outside occupancy hours, including the lighting produced by any screen or luminous motif (except for safety lighting or lighting relating to the accessibility of the built environment).

Temporary exemptions may be granted by the Minister of State in cases of legitimate and proven need..

Penalties for breaches

→ a fine of between €9,000 and €18,000

→ In the event of a repeat offence, 6 months to 3 years' imprisonment and/or €18,000 to €90,000 fine.

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Textual basis

• Law no. 962 of 14 November 1974 on energy conservation
• Article L. 230-1 of the Environment Code
• Ministerial Decree no. 75-60 of 24 February 1975 on the use of electrical energy

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Ministerial Decree no. 2023-425 of 14 July 2023 (JDM no. 8652 of 21 July 2023) governs energy management in public buildings used for public services and the exemplary role of the State and the Commune.