Poles, save water and electricity. There are already bans abroad
Another heat wave is sweeping through Poland. The demand for water, and therefore for electricity, has increased dramatically. Our European neighbors already have a problem. They shut down power plants and introduce bans.
The decline in water levels in rivers is a real problem, which translates into, among others, for electricity production. In thermal power plants, water is used to cool steam needed to generate electricity. Power plants can use water from rivers, but under strict conditions. The water released by the power plant after mixing with the water flowing in the river cannot exceed 26 degrees Celsius. In the summer, there is a real risk of exceeding this temperature, so power plants produce less electricity or even completely shut down operating plants.
The two largest power plants in Poland are limiting their operations
Due to the low level in the Vistula River, power plants owned by Enea in Połaniec and Kozienice reduced electricity production this week. On Tuesday, units 2, 3, 4 at the Kozienice Power Plant and units 5, 6, 7 at the Połaniec Power Plant were not operating. In both cases, water from the Vistula is used to cool the blocks.
Donald Tusk took the floor
On Wednesday afternoon, Donald Tusk commented on the situation in Poland. He pointed out that Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne does not plan a recall period on the capacity market.
– According to experts, there will be no need to recall those who are in reserve to start energy production, because the situation is under control – said Tusk.
However, the day before, i.e. on Tuesday, the excess power in the power system fell below the required level.
Tusk doesn’t know what he’s talking about?
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne announced a paging system on the capacity market from 5:00 p.m. the same day. It is difficult to evaluate Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s short-sightedness positively. Forecasts of high temperatures have been known for weeks.
Water use banned in Hungary
In Hungary, the situation is already very serious. On Tuesday, the highest level of warning against the heat wave was extended until Friday, restrictions on water consumption were introduced and the power of the only nuclear power plant in the Hungarian city of Paks was reduced.
Due to high temperatures and drought, measures were introduced in 465 towns first degree restrictions in water consumption. The ban covers watering gardens, lawns, even filling your own swimming pools with water from the network or washing cars.
The only nuclear power plant in Paks reduced electricity production from 2,000 MW to only 230 MW. Water from the Danube, which has a very low water level, is used to cool it.
Slovenia limits electricity production
Slovenia has only one nuclear power plant in Krszko, which produces electricity not only for Slovenia, but also for Croatia. It has one reactor with a capacity of 696 MW. On Wednesday, the reduction of electricity generated to 80 percent began. The reason is too high temperature in the Sava River. If the weather situation does not improve, the power plant will operate will be further limited. It is worth mentioning that the last time the power plant’s operation was limited was two decades ago. This happened in 2003, when due to heat and low water levels, work was limited for a period of 90 days.
How to save water and electricity
To relieve the load on the electrical network and avoid a blackout, it is best to limit electricity and water consumption during peak hours, i.e. between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Set the dishwasher and washing machine before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Disconnect unused devices such as chargers, computers or TVs, which consume electricity in standby mode and emit additional heat in the apartment.
