Energy crisis strikes again: closures and limited Christmas lights in this Hungarian county

The energy crisis takes a serious toll on Pesty County, among other regions of Hungary. Residents should expect limited opening hours, winter closures and reduced decorative lighting. Among the most affected cities are Ráckeve, Solymár and Cegléd. 

Cegléd expects a significant increase in energy costs

According to mayor Dr. András Csáky, even with a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption, next year’s extra energy costs will exceed HUF 600 million (EUR 1,495,574.78), according to current calculations. This year, the local government received HUF 300 million (EUR 748,049.40) as compensation for lost revenues related to the business tax. However, last year this amount was HUF 388 million (EUR 967,477.22). He added that in the meantime, childcare was reduced by HUF 24 million (EUR 59,842.70) and retirement support was also lowered.

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Limited Christmas lights

The representatives of Cegléd also discussed the purchase of energy-saving LED light sources. They decided to minimise the Ceglédi Advent programme in order to save energy, the mayor shared on the city’s page. In addition, Cegléd will not organise Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive activities in the event halls of their municipal properties this year. Finally, it will turn off the Christmas lights of municipal public buildings and public works of art.

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The limitation of the decorative lighting does not only affect Cegléd but also Solymár. This year, fewer festive decorations will light up the streets of Solymár during the Advent season. According to calculations, it would cost five times as much as last year to operate the same festive decorations. Therefore, this year only the usual greeting texts will be posted at the main junctions at the beginning of December, reports budapestkornyeke.hu.

Closures and Restrictions due to energy crisis

The institutions of the Cegléd municipality are also affected by the energy crisis, resulting in closures and restrictions. Firstly, the Kossuth Community Center will be partially closed in January 2023, with the exception of the “B” building. Secondly, the Kossuth Museum will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 22 December and 8 January and between 1 January and 28 February. Moreover, the local movie theater will not be open to visitors on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 1 January and 31 March. We have bad news for sports practitioners and museum-goers as well. The sports museum and the children’s library will reopen only after 15 April.

Postponed solar panel programme in Ráckeve

When it comes to Hungarian cities hit by skyrocketing energy expenses, Ráckeve is no exception. The additional costs of approximately HUF 500 million (EUR 1,246,329.36) may cause a significant deficit for the municipality by 2023. In addition, the government postpones the already planned solar investments that would have benefited several institutions.

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Source: budapestkornyeke.hu, cegled.hu