Samsung Joins National Energy-Saving Drive Starting Thursday

South Korea’s leading conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics and SK Group, have initiated urgent energy-conservation measures following a government call to action. 

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the companies issued internal notices urging employees to reduce private car usage and adhere to strict fuel-saving protocols in response to escalating energy supply risks linked to Middle Eastern instability.

Samsung and SK Group Restricting Commutes: The Vehicle Rotation System

Samsung Group will implement a voluntary 10-day vehicle rotation system across all domestic worksites starting Thursday, March 26. 

Under this plan, employees are restricted from driving to work on days where the last digit of their license plate matches the last digit of the date. 

To reinforce this, Samsung will close unused parking areas on holidays and reduce parking availability during the week.

SK Group is adopting even stricter measures with a five-day vehicle rotation system effective March 30. 

This weekday driving limit restricts vehicles based on specific digits: for example, plates ending in 1 and 6 are banned on Mondays.

Both companies have carved out exemptions for electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as cars for pregnant women, infants, and people with disabilities.

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Beyond the Road: Office “Energy Diets”

The conservation drive extends deep into office operations. 

Samsung has committed to turning off 50% of lighting in non-work areas, including corridors, rooftops, and outdoor landscaping. 

The company also encourages employees to cut power to PCs and monitors immediately upon leaving their desks.

SK Group has made full lights-out mandatory during lunch breaks and after work hours. 

Furthermore, the group is enforcing strict temperature controls, setting cooling no lower than 26°C and heating no higher than 18°C. 

To further slash electricity use, some SK affiliates will operate elevators on alternating floors or restrict their use for lower levels (3rd and 4th floors), encouraging employees to take the stairs.

Industry-Wide Momentum

The shift comes as South Korea faces a national energy emergency triggered by surging international oil prices. 

Other major players, including LG Group and HD Hyundai, have announced similar 10-day rationing systems. 

Industry experts note that while these measures hold significant symbolic value, they represent a unified front by “Korea Inc.” to stabilize the economy during prolonged global disruptions.

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