The Spanish Government Initiatives to reduce its dependency on Oil

The Spanish Government intends for all its citizens to reduce their dependency on Oil by announcing how it will be supporting households and home owners in Spain and the Canary Islands over the coming months.

The Spanish government is working towards reducing Spain and the Canary Islands dependency on imported fossil fuels over the next few years. Free energy-saving light bulbs, a 20 per cent reduction in city speed limits and investment in electric vehicles are among the measures being introduced said Industry Minister Miguel Sebastin making an announcement while he was presenting the Socialist administration's energy plan for the 2008-2011 period.

Though world oil prices have dropped in recent weeks, Sebastin said they country must prepare for a future in which energy will remain expensive. The plan has called for a reduction in urban speed limits to 40km/h and an increased investment in electric and fuel-saving hybrid vehicles.

The aim is to have a million of these energy-saving vehicles on the roads by 2014.In 2009 and again in 2010 all Spanish households will be given a voucher for an energy-saving light bulb, while public buildings will be forced to turn down their air conditioning and heating. Street lighting will also be made more efficient. With these measures in place it is hoped 4bn can be shaved off Spain's energy bill.