BUDAPEST, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hungary is lifting emergency energy-saving measures introduced during an extreme heatwave and severe drought, after slightly cooler weather eased pressure on the country's power system, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said Friday.
Companies, municipalities, and households are no longer being asked to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption, Magyar announced in a video address.
Under the easing of restrictions, mandatory remote working arrangements in the public sector will end, decorative lighting on public buildings can be turned back on. Freight trains will again be allowed to operate between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., peak hours for power demand.
Magyar said Hungary has weathered "the most critical days of the summer so far," noting that national energy supplies remain stable and drinking water supplies secure, adding that the country's highest level heat alert will be downgraded from three to two on Saturday.
Recent rainfall over the Danube River's catchment area is expected to offer temporary relief after water levels fell to record lows, threatening operations at Paks, Hungary's sole nuclear power station.
The plant, which normally generates nearly half of Hungary's electricity, relies on the Danube for cooling. Three out of four of its reactors have been shut down.
Magyar noted that water levels at Paks had risen by 13 centimeters since Sunday, and are projected to gain more than 20 centimeters in the coming days.
However, he warned that the improvement could be short-lived, as no further significant rainfall is forecast for an extended period.
According to national meteorological service HungaroMet, daytime highs are expected to ease to 34 to 35 degrees Celsius over the weekend before climbing again next week, reaching 35 to 38 degrees through Thursday.
The prime minister confirmed that the remaining turbine at Paks is operating steadily, adding that the government is preparing contingency plans should water levels drop critically again.
Magyar stressed that the prolonged heatwaves and drought have underscored Hungary's growing vulnerability to climate change, calling on residents to maintain energy- and water-saving habits despite the lifting of emergency measures.
