Beijing dispatches energy-saving cops

Quick, check the thermostat — the energy police are on patrol.

Businesses in Beijing will have to be more aware of their energy use after the city formed a team to monitor energy-saving practices in response to the central government’s calls to cut consumption in big cities, state media reported.

Xinhua News Agency said the 20-member team was also part of the municipal government’s ”Green Olympics” promise for next year’s Olympic Games.

It quoted team leader Huang Qian as saying the ”energy-saving police” will check if energy consumption in offices, hotels, schools, malls and other big buildings meets national standards.

For example, air conditioning can be no cooler than 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and heating no warmer than 20 C (68 F) in winter.

Huang said those who fail to improve after warnings “will face penalties and their names will be publicized on TV, on the radio and in newspapers.”

Miami Herald