Debrecen4U August 4, 2026

DKV Introduces Measures in Response to Heatwave and Water and Energy Crisis

In response to the energy crisis, DKV has introduced a number of measures to reduce its energy and water consumption. Lighting in its depots has been reduced, electric buses are not charged between 17:00 and 22:00, and the external washing of vehicles has also been suspended. When introducing these measures, the company took care to ensure that passenger comfort would not be compromised during the heatwave. Air conditioning on trams and buses has been set to 26–27°C.

During the period of extreme heat and the energy crisis, buses are also replacing trolleybuses throughout Debrecen. “We are replacing trolleybuses with buses. Until now this arrangement was used at weekends because the trolleybuses are not equipped with passenger air conditioning. From now on, however, replacement buses will also operate on weekdays until the end of the crisis period,” said Péter Kerekes, Technical Director at DKV.

For now, the grass along the route of Tram Line 2 is still green, but that is not expected to last much longer. First-level water restrictions have come into force in Debrecen, meaning DKV is no longer permitted to irrigate the area.

Volunteers from the member organisations of the Debrecen Charity Board are working continuously in the city centre in shifts of one and a half to two hours. They are distributing drinking water to passers-by, supplied to the site in large containers by Debrecen Waterworks. “We distribute around 100 litres of water each day. This location has become very well known to the people of Debrecen. Thanks to its proximity to the Great Church and its popularity with tourists, it is a very central location, so many visitors also pass through here,” said Edit Bódor, President of the Debrecen Charity Board.

According to the forecast, temperatures in the region are not expected to ease before Friday at the earliest, and water distribution in the city centre will continue until then. First-level water restrictions remain in force in Debrecen, while more than ten settlements across Hajdú-Bihar County are already subject to second-level restrictions.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu