Developing: What Hungary's electricity and water emergency means for people in Szeged
People walking towards a misting arch in the center of Szeged during a previous heatwave. File photo. Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
SZEGED, Hungary — Residents of Szeged are already affected by nationwide water-use restrictions and a fire ban as Hungary responds to an emerging electricity and water emergency caused by prolonged drought, extreme heat and historically low water levels on the Danube.
The measures come as the government's emergency response intensifies after the output of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant fell sharply because low Danube water levels have limited the amount of cooling water available to the facility. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Saturday that the plant's output had fallen to 480 megawatts from its normal 2,000 megawatts and warned that a complete shutdown could occur as early as this weekend if water levels continue to fall. The national grid operator, MAVIR, has activated its emergency protocol while the government prepares additional energy-saving measures.
Although the situation remains fluid, no electricity restrictions have been announced for households, and the immediate impact for residents is limited to existing water-use restrictions, the nationwide fire ban and voluntary efforts to reduce electricity consumption.
What you need to know
Level I water-use restrictions are in effect nationwide, including in Szeged.
A nationwide fire ban remains in force.
No residential power cuts have been announced.
Households would be the last group affected if electricity restrictions become necessary.
Authorities are urging people to conserve both water and electricity.
Level I water-use restrictions already apply in Szeged
A nationwide Level I water-use restriction entered into force on July 31 and applies in every municipality in Hungary, including Szeged.
The measures are intended to reduce the use of treated drinking water for non-essential purposes as prolonged drought continues to put pressure on the country's water resources.
Under the restrictions, residents are prohibited from:
watering gardens, lawns or parks with drinking water using a hose;
filling private swimming pools with mains water;
washing vehicles with a hose;
washing roads, pavements or courtyards with tap water; and
operating automatic irrigation systems.
The government has also instructed water authorities to introduce Level III water restrictions wherever necessary to safeguard drinking water supplies. Those stricter restrictions have not been introduced nationwide and would only apply in areas where local conditions make them necessary.
Nationwide fire ban remains in effect
A nationwide fire ban also remains in force because of the prolonged heatwave and exceptionally dry conditions.
Open fires are prohibited in forests, wooded areas and within 200 meters (656 feet) of them, including designated forest fire pits. Burning stubble, grass and other vegetation is also prohibited.
Authorities note that enclosed gas-powered cooking equipment is generally not considered an open fire under the regulation. Even so, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution outdoors because vegetation is unusually dry and fires can spread rapidly.
No residential power restrictions announced
Despite the deteriorating energy situation, no electricity restrictions have been announced for households.
According to the government, any mandatory electricity savings would first target major industrial consumers before affecting residential users. Large companies have already voluntarily reduced electricity consumption, and additional mandatory reductions could be be introduced if domestic electricity production and imports become insufficient.
Beginning Monday, the government will suspend rail freight operations between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., require remote work for eligible public-sector employees during the first three days of next week and switch off decorative lighting at state institutions to reduce electricity demand. Private employers are also being encouraged to allow employees to work from home where possible and minimize energy use in office buildings.
Authorities have also urged the public to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption, particularly during evening peak hours. Practical steps include postponing electric vehicle charging, limiting air-conditioning where possible and avoiding the use of high-energy appliances unless necessary.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Szegedify will update this article as additional information becomes available, including any local measures affecting residents of Szeged.
Featured image only for illustration. Szegedify file / Szilvia Molnar
