Government spokeswoman
Fatemeh Mohajerani said the target requires a clear and measurable plan for
different provinces, particularly as the country faces heightened pressure on
energy supplies under current wartime conditions.
“Energy consumption must
be managed alongside fuel use,” Mohajerani said at a meeting on energy-demand
management involving women managers and advisers. She said provincial targets
should be defined specifically for areas including Isfahan, Lorestan, Khuzestan
and Mazandaran, with plans developed to achieve them.
Mohajerani pointed to
Iran’s recent experience in managing electricity demand as evidence that
changes in consumption patterns can produce significant results within a short
period.
She said that when power
disruptions became unavoidable in parts of southern Iran because of damage to
electricity infrastructure, authorities appealed to consumers to reduce their
use. The campaign resulted in an estimated 1,800-megawatt reduction in electricity
demand over a short period, largely through measures such as switching off
unnecessary air conditioners and lights.
The government now plans
to apply similar demand-management measures during the winter, with an emphasis
on changing consumption habits rather than relying solely on supply-side
measures.
Focus on Transport and
Fuel Use
The government also plans
to address fuel consumption and air pollution through measures including
car-free days and greater use of public transportation.
Mohajerani said
authorities should encourage lighter forms of transportation, including cycling
and walking, while expanding public transit. She added that such initiatives
should not be limited to government agencies and should make greater use of
influential social figures in the provinces.
The measures are intended
to reduce pressure on energy and fuel systems while also addressing
environmental concerns, particularly air pollution.
Protecting Industrial
Production
Mohajerani stressed that
energy-demand management must not come at the expense of industrial output or
employment.
“Damage to industry means
unemployment for workers,” she said, adding that protecting sustainable
employment remains a repeated priority of the president.
She said
consumption-management programs should therefore be designed and implemented in
a way that reduces energy demand without disrupting production or putting jobs
at risk.
The government’s 20%
target will require coordinated action across provinces, households,
transportation and industry. The recent reduction in electricity demand cited
by Mohajerani suggests that short-term changes in consumer behavior can provide
additional flexibility as Iran prepares for higher winter energy demand.