A week after giving details of how an eventual gas shortage would be handled, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin was back on Wednesday with another set of scenarios – this time about possible electricity shortages.
While such a situation remains theoretical, the government is reacting to concerns about the conflict in Ukraine, the disruption to international energy markets, and the ongoing lack of an electricity agreement between Switzerland and European Union.
In case of a shortage, the first stages of response would combine appeals to reduce usage with certain restrictions, such as limiting advertising lighting during the night, adapting commercial opening hours, or banning some sporting or cultural events.
More
More
Switzerland braces for winter energy crunch
This content was published on
Explainer: why is there a risk of an energy shortage this winter? What is Switzerland doing to reduce gas and electricity consumption?
Another step would see rationing for big electricity users: that is, the 34,000 users who together consume 50% of all electricity in Switzerland. This option, which so far includes no exceptions, could last for up to a month, the plan statesExternal link.
The final, last resort option – “to be avoided at any cost”, Parmelin said – would see rotating outages in order to maintain the stability of the grid, but with efforts made to avoid any impact on critical infrastructure, emergency services, or hospitals.
Calls to save
The proposed measures – which are much more specific than those for the gas sector – would only come into effect if current efforts to shore up the country’s energy and electricity stability fail, Parmelin said.
He reiterated a call for citizens and businesses to “save, save, save” when it comes to energy.
The package of measures will be discussed by cantons and business representatives before the government comes up with a final draft. The consultation period runs until December 12.
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?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
Norwegian zombie film wins main prize at Swiss festival NIFFF
This content was published on
More than 55,000 people celebrated the fantastic film at the International Fantastic Film Festival in Neuchâtel (NIFFF) - fewer than last year.
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.