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Switch off
UK’s National Grid has launched a new Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) whereby citizens can get paid to switch off electrical items during peak hours.
If you have a smart meter and your energy supplier offers the service, then you’ll be able to sign up. If you do sign up for the DFS scheme, you will need to authorise your provider to access your smart meter so they can read your data every half hour between the peak hours. The scheme is planned to remain in force until the end of March. Users of the scheme will get an alert the day before telling them what window they need to reduce energy use, for example, 4.00pm until 6.00pm.
in Spain.
The government arranged a vote on new legislation promising to continue fighting against antisemitism which was held on Tuesday, January 31. The plan was announced at an official memorial ceremony by minister, Félix Bolaños, who explained that authorities have been working on it for months.
The plan will implement the European Union’s ‘Europe without Antisemitism’ strategy which was created in October 2021. Europe’s plan has the objective of fighting instances of antisemitism with strong repercussions and creating more inclusive communities across the continent.
Spain’s plan pledges to increase resources and funding for fighting antisemitism and encourage inclusive communities where Jewish communities in Spain can practice their faith and traditional beliefs freely without the threat of discrimination or violence.
During the event, members of the Spanish government heard stories from survivors at concentration camps, remembered victims from Jewish and Traveller communities, and vowed to protect the rights of all people who face discrimination.
Meanwhile, in Spain, the government confirmed it would extend the measures established throughout 2022 to continue to tackle the price increases caused by the war in Ukraine and to protect consumers so they have guaranteed access to electricity, gas and water. Meaning the reduction of the special tax on electricity to 0.5 per cent and the suspension of the tax on the value of electricity production, which has an impact on electricity bills.
Vulnerable consumers can also benefit from a discount on their bill called bono social, which can be requested by telephone, email, ordinary mail or fax from one of the reference suppliers, who are obliged to offer and finance it.
