Stormont and several councils in Northern Ireland are exploring options to cut their energy consumption this winter amid soaring costs.
Potential measures are being examined to make savings within the Northern Ireland Civil Service office estate, which accounts for around 4% of public sector energy usage.
Four of the 11 councils have also confirmed to Belfast Live they are keeping plans under review in a bid to cut fuel and electricity costs.
Read more: Stormont departments get legal approval for 'contingency arrangements' in absence of budget
It comes after sweeping energy-saving measures limiting the use of lighting and heating in public buildings were approved in Germany.
From September, public buildings apart from institutions like hospitals are to be heated to a maximum of 19C and the heating may be turned off completely in entrances, corridors and foyers.
Public monuments and buildings will also not be lit up for aesthetic reasons and businesses could be banned from keeping their shops illuminated at night. Private swimming pool heating could also be banned.
Stormont's Department of Finance, which oversees the Northern Ireland Civil Service office estate, said it was "committed to ensuring that energy usage is minimised".
A spokesman said: "The department is currently exploring further options for measures that might be adopted, while ensuring essential building services are maintained and continuing to comply with all statutory and health and safety requirements."
The Northern Ireland Assembly said it "proactively strives to reduce energy use in Parliament Buildings".
It listed a number of energy efficiency measures introduced in previous years such as temperature controls, but did not outline any new plans for this winter.
A spokeswoman said the Assembly Commission, which comprises of MLAs from the main Stormont parties, "continues to look for, and implement, energy efficient ways of working in Parliament Buildings".
Peter McClenaghan, director of infrastructure and sustainability in the Consumer Council, said public bodies and others may need to reduce their energy consumption this winter.
He said Northern Ireland is experiencing energy price rises but does not have the same "supply challenge" faced by Germany due to its reliance on gas from Russia.
"As a result of that the real challenge on prices for both the domestic consumers, small businesses and the government sector, it's likely that we will have to take steps this winter to reduce our energy use," he told BBC Radio Ulster.
"And that's simply because it's becoming unaffordable to heat our homes and heat our offices the way we currently do."
Belfast City Council outlined a range of efficiency measures across its estate introduced over the past 20 years, but it did not confirm any new measures for this winter.
Derry City and Strabane District Council said energy efficiency has "always been a key priority" and "measures are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, particularly in the light of rising energy costs".
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said an "energy management action plan" was approved in April and this will be kept "under review".
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said "fuel and light savings measures have been instigated across all of our facilities."
A spokeswoman added: "Costs are extremely difficult to estimate due to the volatility in fuel and utility prices. Further proposals will be considered in September."
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said it has a 10-year "climate change and sustainable development strategy" and is currently monitoring energy usage within its estate to "identify areas where savings can be made".
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said it has taken steps to save energy and "continues to explore other means of reducing its costs and energy consumption".
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said it has a dozen environmental objectives for 2022/23 which include the roll-out of energy efficient technology.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said that over recent years it has worked to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings.
A spokesman added: "Whilst the council has no specific energy saving policy in place, it will continue to make improvement and efficiencies wherever necessary to conserve energy and keep costs down."
Ards and North Down; Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon; and Mid Ulster councils did not respond to requests for a comment.
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