At a time of energy savings, traders are called upon to cover themselves more. Their electricity consumption will also be monitored regularly.
While cities are busy organizing their Christmas markets, some thoughts are already focused on heating chalets. Indeed, according to the decree of March 31, 2022, it is forbidden to heat any outdoor public space in “covered and closed mobile installations for temporary cultural, sporting or festive events“. The Republican mayor of Colmar, Éric Straumann, invites craftsmen and traders to put on boots and sweaters on their stands to avoid the use of electric heaters.
Each city adopts its own strategy, as in Lille where each situation will be studied “case by case“, announces Arnaud Deslandes, second deputy mayor. He adds that “not all chalets are affected by the installation of heating. For example, those who produce food do not require it“. Generally, out of 90 sheds, almost half have individual heating, paid for by the operator. “This year, we are going to install electricity meters in the chalets to monitor their consumption. Checks will be carried out with the federation of Lille traders“Warns Arnaud Deslandes. Open from November 20 to December 30, the Christmas market will also be less illuminated than in previous years, which will reduce the electricity bill.
Reduced electrical power
In Reims, Deputy Mayor Marie-Inès Romelle calls for “everyone’s responsibility“. “When traders come to pick up the keys to their chalet, they will have a contract in which there is a paragraph with instructions dedicated to energy sobriety“, she completes. “We will watch that there is no overflow“, underlines Vincent Mansencal, president of the Showcases of Reims. He further states that “only oil heating is allowed in this market“. With regard to electricity consumption,discussions are ongoing with Enedis to establish power, which will not be as significant as in past years“. “Each exhibitor will be warned and checked“Warns Vincent Mansencal. If the Reims market, with 144 chalets, has existed since 1996, “this is the first time that such provisionsare discussed by elected officials and organizers. Instead of starting on November 19, the market will only open from November 1.er December, until the end of the month, to save energy again.
For its part, the city of Strasbourg, with its 300 chalets and its largest Christmas market in France, specifies in Figaro that “its energy sobriety measures are being finalized» and that they «will be unveiled in the next few days“.