On Wednesday, the Federal Council announced that it wants demand for gas to be reduced by 15% from October 2022 to the end of March 2023 compared to the average consumption of the last five years. In doing so, the Swiss government is following the European Union, which set itself the same target a month ago to prepare for possible disruptions of gas supplies from Russia.
Heating alone accounts for three quarters of the gas consumed in winter. Households, industry, services sector and public institutions have been asked to turn down the thermostat. One degree less of heating, for example, saves 5% to 6% of energy, according to the government. An information campaign will be launched at the end of August.
Voluntary switching of dual-fuel installations from gas to oil is also encouraged. This could result in savings of up to 20% of total consumption. However, companies resorting to this strategy run the risks of incurring additional CO2 taxes. Adjustments to the relevant ordinance are therefore being prepared.
Other energy saving measures proposed by Federal Council include unplugging of unused appliances and computers, efficient use of office spaces and working from home.
More
Debate
Hosted by:
Patricia Islas
How can we reduce energy consumption?
Are there measures in place to reduce the consumption of gas where you live? What are your experiences or ideas?
Media: Swiss medical services done abroad are billed at Swiss rates
This content was published on
In Switzerland, some medical services carried out abroad are still billed at Swiss rates, despite costing less, RTS reports.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
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.