Energy Switzerland should also voluntarily save gas in the coming winter
For the third time in a row, Switzerland has set itself a voluntary gas savings target of 15 percent for the coming winter half-year. In doing so, the Federal Council once again wants to help prevent bottlenecks in the energy supply.
28.08.2024, 10:29
28.08.2024, 10:30
SDA
The savings target for the coming winter applies from October 2024 to March 2025, as announced by the national government on Wednesday. The target of 15 percent compared to the average consumption of the five-year reference period corresponds to that of the EU member states.
The reason for the action is the ongoing tense gas supply situation in Europe due to geopolitical tensions, for example because of the war in Ukraine. "Switzerland is completely dependent on gas imports and would be directly affected by a shortage in Europe," wrote the Federal Council.
Switzerland has exceeded its voluntary gas savings target in the past two winters. Compared to average consumption from 2017 to 2022, between 22 and 23% less gas was consumed in Switzerland. In absolute terms, this corresponds to a saving of 5.4 terawatt hours.
In Switzerland, around three quarters of annual gas consumption in the winter months is used to heat buildings. According to the Federal Council, the savings target should therefore be achieved in particular in households, industry, services and administration.
The federal government is constantly monitoring the energy situation and gas consumption and can propose appropriate measures to the government if necessary, the Federal Council stated. For example, it could recommend switching dual-fuel systems from gas to oil in the event of an imminent shortage.
