It concerns design regulations for the worst-case scenario. The economy had called for a clear contingency plan. The Bundesrat leaves open whether there will be a gas shortage this winter. “That cannot be predicted and depends not only on meteorological but above all on geopolitical factors,” he reports.
However, should the worst-case scenario materialize, the population and the economy now know roughly what to expect. This should enable those affected to prepare for this possibility. The Bundesrat writes that all consumer groups will probably have to make an appropriate contribution to save gas from the very beginning of a shortage.
The Bundesrat turns the heat up a bit
Indeed, the ordinance on the prohibition and limitation of the use of gas, as well as the ordinance on quotas for the purchase of gas, are only implemented by the Federal Council when there is a shortage.
In concrete terms, the national government stipulates that a temperature of 20 degrees must apply to indoor spaces heated with gas. The original draft ordinance mentioned 19 degrees.
The heating of unused rooms, swimming pools, steam baths and saunas, as well as the use of radiant heaters, warm air curtains, gas fireplaces, high-pressure cleaners and warm air tents must also be prohibited. This applies to both companies and private households.
Violations will be prosecuted
According to the Federal Council, temperature compliance is the responsibility of tenants, provided they can regulate the temperature themselves, as well as housing owners. Violations of this duty will be prosecuted. The Department of Economy is investigating the possibility of fines for violations and will inform the Federal Council at the end of January 2023.
A short-term closure of major consumers is still being considered. This is intended to save large amounts of energy within 24 hours. The Federal Council has instructed the Department of Economic Affairs to investigate the options for compensation and the charging of the resulting costs in the gas tariffs.
On the other hand, additional exceptions to the quota system are off the table, “as this would jeopardize its effectiveness,” the Bundesrat writes. With the immediate allocation of quotas, network operators have an effective tool to ensure network stability in the event of short-term supply bottlenecks.
The gas supply can be limited
In the event of a gas shortage, the purchase of gas is limited for at least 24 hours. This measure can be extended to several weeks, the Federal Council writes. The aim is to enable trade with quotas in a limited supply in order to keep the possible damage to consumers in the economy as low as possible. The details are still being clarified.
In principle, the measures have been received quite positively in the public consultation, the cabinet writes. After an analysis of 113 statements by cantons, parties, associations and companies, the measures can be assessed as appropriate and proportional.
However, questions were often raised about the controls and possible sanctions in the private sector. The Bundesrat writes that the cantons are responsible for the controls. However, the draft regulations were mainly based on the fact that the vast majority of the population obeys the law. (SDA)