Hamburg is already switching off the Alster fountain on September 1st. By shutting down the pump two months earlier than usual, up to 70,000 kilowatt hours of electricity could be saved, the Mitte district office said on Tuesday.
The pump will be maintained in winter storage and prepared for the 2023 season. The Alster fountain was put into operation for the first time in 1987 and is a popular photo motif among tourists. According to the office, it transports around 180,000 liters of water per hour to a height of up to 40 meters.
Hamburg’s Senator for the Environment, Jens Kerstan (Greens), had promised the people of Hamburg sufficient electricity and gas during the winter just a few days ago. “You don’t have to worry about security of supply. We will not get a blackout here in Hamburg, ”said the Green politician. Also, nobody will have to freeze.
At the same time, he renewed his announcement that customers of Hamburger Energiewerke should be spared the gas levy. “As of November 1st of this year, I am firmly assuming that Hamburger Energiewerke will waive their customers’ gas surcharge.” A hardship fund will be set up for customers of other providers. “We will provide 15 million for this and we expect the private suppliers to also participate.”
Kerstan warned against playing the climate and energy crises against each other as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Fighting the climate crisis is not only something to preserve our livelihood (…), but at the same time it is the defense of our democracy, our free way of life and our diverse society.” Anyone who does not understand this has the signs of the times not understood.
In view of the exploding energy costs, the Greens parliamentary group leader Jennifer Jasberg called for an increase in the top tax rate and an excess profit tax. There must also be a follow-up regulation for the 9-euro ticket.
People with little money must be specifically helped. “Anyone who is still happy to be able to buy pasta at the end of the month” does not currently have the chance to counter the immense price increases, said Jasberg.
