With the war between Russia and Ukraine impacting the supply of energy, Europe has to save energy. In August, the EU’s gas emergency plan came into force, under which the member countries have to save 15 percent on gas. Germany has a self-imposed target of 20 percent savings.

Invidis is reporting that the German government has passed the  “Ordinance to Secure the Energy Supply on Short-Term Effective Measures”.  Beginning September 1st, for six months, the ordinance stipulates a restriction on the use of illuminated advertising systems. The usage restriction will be from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. (6 hours each day).

The ordinance provides for an exception for the out-of-home industry, which could continue to allow OOH companies to operate advertising systems at bus stops, train stations and underpasses after 10 p.m. to ensure passenger safety.   In Germany, most advertising contracts explicitly require outdoor advertising companies to operate backlit city light posters and screens well into the night to provide passengers with more security in the waiting area.  As autumn nears  will show whether and how the exemptions will be used.

In Switzerland, the Swiss OOH industry is also anticipating statutory energy-saving measures and have announce a voluntary extension of the night-time switch-off time for screens.

The members of the AWS (Association of Outdoor Advertising Switzerland) have committed themselves to switching off DooH surfaces at night in order to reduce their power consumption by 5 to 7 percent. The temporary self-restraint should take effect from October 1, 2022.

At the same time, the AWS appeals to the Swiss authorities to maintain proportionality and to refrain from switching off illuminated posters and screens across the board.

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