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Christmas lights during an energy crisis (B1/B2)

1092 Views 2 Liked Posted on: December 16th 2022

Christmas lights during an energy crisis

Niveau B1-B2 (intermédiaire)

With the ongoing energy crisis, is it reasonable to light up our streets with Christmas lights? In central London, the switching on of the lights is a big event every year as it signals the beginning of the holiday season. But concerns over energy supplies have become serious since Russian president Vladimir Putin's invaded Ukraine.

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Britain's electricity grid has warned citizens of possible blackouts this winter. This would happen if power plants can’t get enough gas to function. Although this is an unlikely scenario, what did the UK’s capital city decide to do this year? Did they maintain the light display or cancel it? 

London's annual Christmas lights display on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street has been switched on, but there have been changes to its schedule. Instead of staying on 24 hours a day, the lights will only be on from 3pm to 11am. But will this change make a difference? Apparently, it will.

The New West End Company which is responsible for the lighting display says that energy consumption will be down by two-thirds in comparison to last year, saving £221, 760 over the festive period. Campaigns and events manager, Ms. Hadas Kulcsar, says, “Shorter hours are a great step forward in a bid to make Oxford Street a leading sustainable district.”

The New West End Company has chosen 300,000 LED lights made from recycled polymer to make Oxford Street's display. Not only are these lights 75% more energy efficient than standard bulbs, they are recyclable and can be used again in the future.

Ms. Kulcsar adds, "For many, this is the first Christmas without restrictions post-Covid and we want to take this opportunity to help people get back to celebrating the essence of Christmas together: love and giving. The reduced hours of our Christmas lights are a great step forward to achieving this.

Merry Christmas to you!

ongoing = en cours

as = puisque (ici)

a blackout = une panne d’électricité

a power plant = une centrale électrique

unlikely = peu probable

a display = demonstration de

a schedule = les horaires

the consumption = la consommation

to be down = être à la baisse

bid = dans un effort de

sustainable = durable

a bulb = une ampoule

to achieve = accomplir

Posted in: News

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