Urs Meister, director of the Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom), gave the signal in a report on Swiss radio SRF on Thursday morning: Switzerland is likely to get through the winter without a power shortage, he said.
The main factor is the relatively high temperatures so far this winter. As a result, much less gas was used in Europe than in other years. As a result, the gas storage tanks are better filled.
More nuclear energy from France again
More nuclear energy from France is also available again. The prospects are also good that even more nuclear energy can 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’s about 75 percent. 55 to 60 percent is normal at this time of year.
SFOE rates power supply situation as still “tense”
Elcom is an independent regulatory body in the electricity sector. It monitors compliance with the Electricity Supply and Energy Act and monitors 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 still “tense” on its “Energy Dashboard Switzerland”, which was 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 energy consumption portal has five levels. Level 1 is “normal”, level 2 means “tense”, level 5 would be “insufficient supply”.
The Federal Council is preparing for a possible power shortage. In November, he presented a multi-step plan at a brief meeting. This ranges from budget cuts to shutting down the electricity grid as a last resort in case savings, restrictions and quotas are not enough.
In the coming weeks, the Federal Council intends to approve the regulations as a draft, the Department of Economy, Education and Research (EAER) reports on request. The Federal Council will only implement the ordinance in the event of an imminent shortage, adapted to real needs. (SDA)