Swiss Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga’s advice to take a double shower to conserve resources as the world faces an energy crisis has sparked widespread comment. The official’s recommendation comes after the executive branch launched a campaign to save electricity through several measures that individuals and companies can adopt, Blick and Tages-Anzeiger reported.

At the end of August, the Swiss federal government launched a campaign to reduce energy consumption to reduce the risks of energy shortages in the coming winter, Le News notes.

5 government energy-saving tips for the Swiss:

• Never heat the room above 20 degrees. Setting the thermostat one degree lower can reduce heat consumption by 10%.
• Cover pans with lids while cooking. Most of the energy evaporates from the open pan, and the lid helps retain heat and speed up cooking.
• Turn off the light when leaving the room. Leaving light on in empty rooms is a waste of energy.
• Turn off computers and electrical appliances completely. Devices in standby mode continue to consume power.
• Take a shower instead of a bath. The shower should be short, not higher than 37 degrees, the ideal temperature for the body and saving energy.

In a context where the situation with the supply of natural gas in Europe is becoming increasingly tense, Switzerland has prepared for a possible shortage of gas and electricity, AFP notes.

In addition, the Swiss government has announced that it wants to cut gas consumption by 15% this winter, following the example of the EU.

In this context, the executive authorities of Bern have launched a national energy saving campaign to inform the public and companies about simple and quick energy saving measures.

The Minister of Energy is criticized for the late start of the savings campaign

An energy-saving campaign launched in Switzerland has also been criticized after Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga advised people to reduce their electricity use in winter by taking showers for two, although “it’s not suitable for everyone after a certain age”.

In addition to taking a steam shower, the energy minister recommends that the Swiss switch off electrical appliances when they are not at home, turn off the lights when they are not needed, and set a higher temperature in the refrigerator.

While many have laughed at the advice to shower together, a Swiss official says it’s a suggestion everyone should take seriously, claiming he has changed his behavior since the start of the resource-saving campaign.

Sommaruga has been criticized for starting the campaign too late, but the energy minister says it started when it was needed, after people returned from vacation and before the cold season started.