István Kapitány, the economy and energy affairs minister, has welcomed that, according to surveys, 84 percent of Hungarians participated in efforts to reduce strain on the country’s energy system. As a result, they reduced their energy use by more than 500 MW during the most critical period, he said. Conscious energy use helps protect the environment and manage shared resources more responsibly, the minister said. “By using energy consciously, we protect our environment, manage our shared resources more responsibly, and contribute to the country’s smooth functioning. The prime minister announced on Thursday that, starting Friday, there would be no need for voluntary consumption reductions.