Elevator Use Restrictions and Car Rotation System... 600 Public Institutions Tighten Energy Conservation

As instability in the Middle East increases uncertainty in the international energy market, the government has moved to strengthen energy-saving measures for public institutions. This is not merely a campaign-level initiative, but a legally mandated action, signaling that the government has begun to officially manage potential risks to energy supply and demand.

According to the government and public institutions on March 12, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment recently sent official documents to approximately 600 public organizations, including central administrative agencies, local governments, and state-owned enterprises, requesting their cooperation in energy conservation.

This measure is based on Article 7 of the Act on the Rationalization of Energy Use, which stipulates that, in the event of disruptions or the risk of disruptions to energy supply and demand due to changes in domestic or international energy markets, the government may take necessary actions to ensure energy supply stability.

On the 5th, gasoline prices are displayed at a gas station in downtown Seoul amid rising international oil prices due to the war aftermath between the United States and Iran. March 5, 2026. Photo by Dongju Yoon

원본보기 아이콘

In light of recent conditions in the crude oil and natural gas supply chains, the government has activated a "concern" level resource security alert. The intent is to have public institutions take the lead in energy conservation, thereby activating a demand management system.

The official document outlines specific energy-saving measures that public institutions must implement as a priority. The most critical of these is the management of building heating and cooling. Public institutions must maintain an average indoor temperature of 18 degrees Celsius or lower when using heating equipment, and 28 degrees Celsius or higher when operating cooling systems. The use of personal heaters during working hours is, in principle, strictly prohibited.

Building facility operations will also be adjusted with a focus on conservation. Outdoor advertising displays, such as promotional electronic billboards, must be turned off from 11 p.m. until sunrise the following day. Elevator operation should be tailored to each institution's characteristics, including measures such as stopping at alternate floors or restricting usage during certain hours.

Management of electricity use in offices will be reinforced as well. When purchasing or replacing office equipment or appliances, institutions are required to use products with energy-saving certification labels. The adoption of power-saving programs that automatically reduce electricity consumption during periods of non-use is also recommended.

Energy-saving measures will also apply to transportation. Public institutions will implement a car rotation system for employees, restricting the use of private vehicles on designated days. However, eco-friendly vehicles, vehicles for people with disabilities, and those carrying pregnant women will be exempt from these restrictions.

The government emphasized that public institutions must set an example in energy conservation to encourage greater participation from the private sector and the general public. The view is that, during a resource security crisis, the public sector must lead by reducing energy consumption in order to foster a culture of conservation across society as a whole.

The energy industry views these measures not as mere recommendations, but as a "demand management signal" in preparation for possible instability in energy supply and demand. If tensions in the Middle East persist, there could be an increased risk to energy supply chains due to rising international oil prices and disruptions in maritime transport.

The government plans to continuously monitor crude oil and natural gas supply conditions, as well as international energy price trends, and will consider additional measures if necessary.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.