Speaking Monday at the nationwide “Synergistic Governance” conference, attended by cabinet members, provincial governors and more than 3,500 local administrators, Pezeshkian said the first step toward reducing energy use is raising public awareness and promoting a culture of responsible consumption.

“I do not believe directives and compulsion alone can achieve results,” he said, noting that religious teachings contain numerous warnings against wastefulness and should be used to encourage more efficient energy use.

The president said reforms should start in administrative organizations and gradually spread throughout society. With public participation, he said, Iran could achieve at least a 30% reduction in energy consumption, provided managers actively pursue the goal.

Pezeshkian emphasized that authorities must avoid circumstances that force electricity and natural gas cuts for industrial and manufacturing sectors.

He called for practical and effective solutions to manage consumption, saying local officials can play a key role in implementing them. He also stressed that development plans must align with the country’s natural resources and infrastructure capacity, warning against expanding cities and villages without adequate planning for water, electricity and other essential services.

The president urged officials to develop measurable energy-reduction plans, assess current consumption levels and establish clear savings targets within their jurisdictions. Provincial governors, he said, should regularly evaluate the performance of agencies under their supervision.

Pezeshkian added that provinces and districts achieving the highest levels of energy savings will be recognized as models. He identified education, consumption engineering and improved efficiency as pillars of the policy, while warning that penalties, including energy restrictions and fines, may be imposed on sectors that fail to cooperate.

He also called for greater competitiveness in efficiency and performance across all levels of government to help drive national progress.