Bund gives the all-clear
Switzerland will probably get through the winter without a power shortage
There is a high probability that Switzerland will get through the winter without a power shortage. The reason for this is the mild temperatures and more nuclear power from France.
1/6
Elcom Managing Director Thomas Meister gives the all-clear: Switzerland will probably get through the winter without a power shortage.
Urs Meister, Managing Director of the Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom), gave the all-clear in a report on Swiss radio SRF on Thursday morning: Switzerland will probably get through the winter without a power shortage, he said.
The most important factor is the relatively high temperatures so far this winter. As a result, far less gas has been consumed in Europe than in other years. Therefore, the gas storage tanks are better filled.
More nuclear power from France again
More nuclear power from France is also available again. The prospects are also good that even more nuclear power could flow from France to Switzerland in the coming weeks.
Another advantage, according to Meister, is the “significantly above-average” level of the Swiss reservoirs. It is about 75 percent. 55 to 60 percent is normal at this time of year.
SFOE assesses the power supply situation as still “tense”
Elcom is an independent state regulatory authority in the electricity sector. It monitors compliance with the Electricity Supply and Energy Act and oversees electricity prices. It also monitors the security of supply in the electricity sector.
On the other hand, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) assessed the power supply situation as continuing to be “tense” on its “Energy Dashboard Switzerland” published in mid-December. However, the power supply is guaranteed. The SFOE makes the same assessment for gas.
The Federal Council is preparing for a power shortage
The SFOE’s energy consumption portal has five levels. Level 1 is “normal”, level 2 means “tense”, level 5 would be “inadequate supply”.
The Federal Council is preparing for a possible power shortage. In November, he gave a multi-stage action plan in an abridged consultation. This ranges from austerity appeals to grid shutdowns as a last resort in the event that savings, restrictions and quotas are not sufficient.
In the next few weeks, the Federal Council wants to adopt the ordinances as drafts, as the Department of Economics, Education and Research (EAER) said on request. The Federal Council will only put the ordinances into effect in the event of an imminent shortage, adapted to actual needs. (SDA)