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.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
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.