The rise in energy prices will increase the costs of the City of Lahti by millions of euros. A year from now, the situation will be even more difficult in winter.
The City of Lahti is prepared for power outages in its buildings and operations. During a power cut, the heat distribution system will not work and the water and waste water pumping stations will not be supplied with power.
The large hall and the exhibition hall can serve as an evacuation centre if there is no heat in the apartments. Kindergartens and schools will be given detailed instructions on what to do in the event of an unexpected power cut. The central kitchen in Laune will be responsible for food supply if necessary and has back-up power.
Some of the city’s properties, such as the Jalmari rehabilitation hospital, the Mustankallio shelter and the Niemi rescue station, are equipped with backup power.
In addition to the electricity shortage, the city is concerned about the price of energy. It is estimated that the increase in the price of electricity will cost the city an additional 4 million euros next year, and the increase in the price of district heating just under a million euros.
The world is changing right now
The city’s service areas have trained and practiced in case of various threats. According to Timonen, many of the risk assessments of the contingency plan have been realized and the world is changing right now.
– We will never go back to the time before the war, said Mayor Timonen to the councilors at the council seminar in Tampere on Thursday.
The war in Ukraine has already brought 1,600 Ukrainian refugees to Lahti, and the arrival of another 600 refugees is known.
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