The Swiss population has been diligently saving electricity since the start of the federal government’s energy-saving campaign. Households and businesses consumed 13 percent less in September than the average for the past seven years.
The austerity efforts and other measures are providing some easing on the energy front. A new study commissioned by the federal government finds that the security of the electricity supply in Switzerland will not be seriously compromised in the winter of 2022/23. However, depending on the scenario, delivery issues cannot be ruled out.
The federal government is therefore not yet providing all the details. Saving energy is still popular, according to the “Sonntagszeitung”. “The federal government continues to heat to just 20 degrees and recommend showering instead of bathing,” the article quotes Marianne Zünd, spokeswoman for the Federal Office for Energy (SFOE). The savings campaign runs throughout the winter.
Winter 2023/24 in sight
The authorities already have the 2023/24 winter season in mind. “In the following winter there is a risk of a much greater gas shortage in Europe,” says Zünd. In the coming year it is “expected that the Russian gas will be eliminated from the beginning”. This will make it much more difficult in Europe to fill the gas storage tanks for the cold season. Because liquefied gas alone should not be enough.
Just like the corona pandemic, the energy crisis may last longer than hoped. (Russian)