The reduction in Eskilstuna is done, among other things, for financial reasons, but even if their impact on electricity capacity in Sweden is not particularly large, they also want to do their part, says vicar Johan Hedlund.
- It is also about being in solidarity with the electricity capacity we have in Sweden.
If we can lower our temperatures to a level that is sustainable for us and save energy so that the energy price is a little lower, we can also help other people, he says.
Several degrees colder
The congregations around the Eskilstuna pastorate will lower the temperature from, for example, 20 degrees during services down to 15-16 degrees, according to Johan Hedlund.
But you can't lower the temperature too much.
The measure is in addition to economic and solidarity motives, guided by the fact that the churches are culturally and historically important.
Both the buildings themselves, where many are from the Middle Ages, but also what is inside.
- Moisture affects both properties, any property owner knows that if water enters a building, the building can be damaged in one way or another.
Then we have metal objects, wooden objects and textile objects in our churches that also need to be protected against excessive humidity, says Johan Hedlund.
However, the Eskilstuna pastorate is not alone in the reduced temperatures in the churches.
Around the county, temperatures are lowered in churches, including in Flen, Helgesta-Hyltinge, Stallarholmen and Frustuna parishes.
In the clip, you hear vicar Johan Hedlund about the decision to lower the temperature in the church in Eskilstuna.