Amid energy squeeze, Paris’ Champs-Elysees trims shop lights

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. until further notice / ʌnˈtɪl ˈfɜr ðər ˈnoʊ tɪs / (idiom) – until a new announcement for change is made or released
    Example:

    The public library is closed until further notice.


  2. squeeze / skwiz / (v.) – to reduce or limit the amount of something
    Example:

    The drought is squeezing the water supply in many cities.


  3. exemption / ɪgˈzɛmp ʃən / (n.) – special permission to not follow a rule that others need to follow
    Example:

    Students who participated in the science fair will be given an exemption from the final exam.


  4. ruling / ˈru lɪŋ / (n.) – an official decision made by a judge or a person in authority
    Example:

    Many citizens questioned the government’s new ruling on sugar taxes.


  5. illuminations / ɪˌlu məˈneɪ ʃəns / (n.) – lights for decoration
    Example:

    The city puts up colorful illuminations during the festival.


Article

Read the text below.

Paris’ Champs-Elysees is switching off the lights on the famed avenue hours earlier each night until further notice to help save energy as the war in Ukraine squeezes the electricity market in Europe.


The plan, which has taken effect on Oct. 15, means that lights on the avenue will go dark at 10 p.m. instead of 1 a.m. Shops on the avenue that remain open past 10 p.m. have an exemption, the committee governing the avenue said. The ruling affects dozens of luxury boutiques but does not affect public street lamps.


The avenue’s dazzling Christmas illuminations will also be affected — and will now be switched off at 11:45 p.m. instead of 2 a.m.


The initiatives follow plans by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to save energy across several of the City of Light’s iconic monuments.


In September, it was also announced that lights will be switched off at the Eiffel Tower at 11:45 p.m. — as soon as the last tourist leaves — instead of the usual 1 a.m.


Other Paris landmarks, like City Hall, will turn off their lights at 10 p.m.


Hidalgo said she feared that energy demands would increase over winter and she hoped to avoid shortages.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you agree with Paris’ decision to switch the lights off at the city’s top tourist spots and landmarks hours earlier to save electricity? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think Paris’ response to the energy shortage will affect the city’s business and tourism? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think switching off the avenue’s dazzling Christmas illuminations at an earlier time will negatively affect the Christmas experience of people in the city? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think switching off lights early should be done in your country as well to save electricity? Why or why not? Discuss.