MÁV Group and BKK introduce energy-saving measures

Due to the prolonged heatwave and the increased load on the national electricity system, MÁV Group is introducing temporary energy-saving measures, while the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has also announced several steps aimed at reducing energy consumption. The railway company stresses that the restrictions are intended solely to moderate energy use, while the safety of railway operations and timetable-based services will remain top priorities.

One of the most important elements of the measures is that during the peak period, every day between 17:00 and 23:00, the current drawn when electric locomotives start and accelerate must not exceed 75 percent of their rated power. MÁV’s aim is to reduce the evening consumption peak and ease the load on the electricity grid.

The operation of electric buses will also be affected. MÁV Group is rescheduling the charging of all electric buses to the late-evening period, when grid load is lower, meaning the vehicles will be charged after 23:00.

To reduce energy use, several temporary measures will also be introduced in the operation of properties and facilities. Non-essential decorative, façade, advertising and area lighting will be switched off, while lighting in passenger areas may only be reduced to an extent that does not compromise passenger safety or wayfinding. During the critical period between 17:00 and 23:00, higher temperatures will be set in air-conditioned rooms, and where possible, air-conditioning units will be temporarily switched off. In addition, the temperature of hot water produced by electric boilers in welfare facilities will be limited to a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.

MÁV Group emphasized that the measures will not affect railway operations, traffic safety, passenger safety, or critical IT and communications systems. These systems will continue to operate at full capacity to ensure that the safety and continuity of transport remain unchanged.

According to the company, the temporary energy-saving measures will remain in force for as long as the extreme heat and the load on the electricity system make them necessary.

The Budapest Transport Centre has also announced similar energy-saving measures. While maintaining public transport services, several energy-saving steps are being introduced in the capital as well: BKV will reduce energy consumption by making metro trains and trams accelerate less intensively, while on working days, modern diesel buses will operate instead of trolleybuses not equipped with air conditioning. In addition, electric buses operated by ArrivaBus will not be charged during the 17:00–22:00 peak period, and once the service is launched, MOL Bubi’s electric bicycles will also be charged outside the critical evening period.