Public transport gets serious in the fight against a potential energy shortage: SBB is implementing new savings measures at the end of October. According to the Swiss Federal Railways, the temperature on the trains will be lowered to two degrees “where possible”.
This means that between 5,000 and 8,000 megawatt hours of electricity can be saved between November and February. This measure is said to have had almost no visible impact on passengers and employees.
SBB also decided to lower the temperature in its offices in September.
Electricity saved in Gotthard tunnel
A few things will change at the train stations as Christmas approaches. At the 30 largest stations, SBB reduces decorative lighting such as facade or Christmas lights. However, no changes are planned in the basic lighting: it will serve to ensure the safety of passers-by and passengers.
SBB also wants to save electricity on the tracks: trains in the Gotthard tunnel are slowed down. Due to the high air resistance, tunnel journeys consume a particularly large amount of electricity. However, the driving speed is reduced only if the trains are running on time. “Since certain backups are included in the timeline, reducing the rate will not cause any delays,” writes SBB.
Saving potential: About 2000 megawatt hours of electricity per year, roughly equivalent to one year’s electricity needs of 500 households.
With new temperature, lighting and speed measures, SBB follows the recommendations of the Public Transport Association in September.
Rail transport as a big power hunter
The impending energy shortage in winter poses a major threat to the European and Swiss economy. Experts expect significant economic downturns if electricity or gas is rationed and factories are shut down as a result. Public transport is a particular focus here: the transport of passengers and goods on rails is a major force.
SBB has already announced extensive energy saving measures in recent months. Gas consumption decreased by 15 percent. SBB also dimmed the lighting in the offices, turned off the hot water and unplugged the lighting for the logos.