The Swiss government has agreed to cut power consumption in line with the European Union but will not impose a windfall profits tax on utilities that use fossil fuels.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Reuters/Key-SDA/SWI/ug
Português
pt
Suíços adotam meta da UE para cortar a demanda de energia
Switzerland will embrace on a voluntary basis the goal of reducing electricity consumption by 10% from January to March 2023 as well as in November and December 2023 – compared to the average of the last five years -, according to a government statement on Wednesday.
From January to March 2023, power consumption during peak times is to fall by 5%.
“It makes sense for Switzerland to voluntarily join the EU’s electricity consumption reduction targets. This measure has a dampening effect on wholesale electricity prices. It also strengthens the security of supply,” the government said.
It will not adopt most other EU measures, such as a levy on surplus profits in the fossil fuel sector, it added, confirming its view from last month that no action was needed given the economic situation and lower inflation than in other countries.
Gas industry
The government is planning to introduce regulations for the gas industry to prevent shortages in the next winter.
The legislation, to take effect next July, is aimed at regulating financial aspects and give the authorities access to data a gas and electricity supplies, according to a statement by the energy ministry.
The government on Wednesday also took note of a report about Switzerland’s long-term electricity supplies. The study concluded that major supply bottlenecks could be avoided until 2040 if domestic hydropower production and import capacities complement each other.
The study authors found that the European electricity supply system will become increasingly dependent on weather conditions with the expansion of renewable energies.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Swiss reject biodiversity and pension reform proposals
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
Switzerland remains ‘world’s most innovative country’
This content was published on
Switzerland remains the world's most innovative country, still ahead of Sweden and the US on the WIPO Global Innovation Index.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss electricity boss: energy crunch has not been totally averted
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission says it is important to keep saving electricity to prevent energy shortages this winter.
Swiss government takes further measures to prevent energy crunch
This content was published on
The Swiss government has approved the use of emergency power generators for the coming winter to provide a total output of 280 MW.
Report: Switzerland should get through winter without power restrictions
This content was published on
While Switzerland still faces an energy crunch, it should get through winter with enough power, a new study reportedly shows.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.