The soaring price of electricity has very concrete repercussions in the intercommunity of Pompey (Meurthe-et-Moselle): from this Monday, May 23, public lighting will be turned off, from midnight to 5:30 a.m., in the large majority of the streets of the 13 municipalities of the territory. Only a few of the territory’s 7,500 light points, dependent on non-programmable cabinets, will remain lit.
A decision taken a few days ago by elected officials, faced with the exponential increase in the bill. “Unlike individuals, we do not benefit from the tariff shield set up by the state, underlines the mayor of Pompey and president of the intercommunality Laurent Trogrlic. “Electricity costs us three times more than a few months ago”. The “public lighting” budget has already passed from 627,000 euros in 2021 to more than one million euros in 2022.
A saving of 40%
“To deal with it, we would have to increase taxation by 10%. We are making another choice, we assume it and we explain it to the inhabitants. We are engaged in a renovation of the electrical system which will allow us to reduce the consumption of 85%, but it will only be finished in four years”, details the chosen one. “Until then, we have to deal with this inflation.”
It was through an information leaflet distributed by the intercommunality of Pompey (Meurthe-et-Moselle) that Arlette learned the news. “OHe’s not out at that time anyway”philosopher the retiree. “And it’s good to save money. We do, why not the municipality?” Sandrine welcomes a measure “very positive for saving energy, and for the environment”. For their part, Pascal and Jean-Pierre are worried about the risks of insecurity in the communes. “Why not light less, but if it’s to be robbed, it’s not worth it!”
“The vast majority of burglaries take place during the day, the same goes for assaults”, tempers Laurent Trogrlic. “These figures allow us to approach this situation quite calmly. But we will of course be attentive”. Lighting schedules will return to normal in September. By then, the intercommunality hopes to lower its electricity bill by 40%.