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The Swiss are hesitant to save electricity. In February, the country fell short of the Federal Council’s electricity savings target. In the winter months from October to March that should be 10 percent.
But last month, at an estimated 5.3 percent, it was just over half, as the latest numbers from the federal government’s energy dashboard show. And this despite the fact that February was even slightly warmer in a long-term comparison.
In October, the population was the most frugal so far with 7.1 percent savings. At that point, most of the Federal Council’s cuts still rang in their ears. In contrast, savings were lowest in December at only 2 percent.
Not halfway to the goal yet
However, so far the target for electricity savings has not been achieved in one month. No wonder then that the savings target of a total of 3153 gigawatt hours of electricity can no longer be achieved by the end of March.
By the end of February, only 1,403 gigawatt-hours had been saved — only about 45 percent of the goal had been reached. Even turning off the computer, turning off the lights, or doing without the rocker arm doesn’t do much with even a little bit more.
Apparently, Mr and Mrs Schweizer are not deterred by the higher electricity prices, nor by the Federal Council’s energy contingency plans. The state government last week approved its new draft electricity shortage ordinance, which would come into effect in an emergency. For heating living rooms and offices, for example, a maximum temperature of 20 degrees applies. Depending on the level of escalation, there would also be restrictions on the use of electrical devices, including a ban on neon signs or snow cannons in ski resorts.
reservoirs still full
But Switzerland is still a long way from that. Officially, the power supply situation is tense but stable. The Swiss reservoirs are currently still relatively well filled at around 46 percent and are therefore well above the long-term average.
While there is a problem when it comes to saving electricity, the Swiss people get high marks when it comes to saving gas. Switzerland should save almost 4,000 gigawatt hours in the winter months by the end of March – ie 15 percent of gas consumption.
But the savings target was reached at the end of January. And in the relatively warm February, the cushion was expanded again. With a saving of 5116 gigawatt hours, the saving target has already been achieved by 128 percent. So much more than hoped – and there is still a month until the final statement.
The EU also exceeds its savings target
The set savings target has been exceeded every month so far. The country recorded record savings of almost 40 percent in October. The target was almost achieved in December and January, with 17 percent less gas consumption each time. In February, it went up again with 19 percent savings.
Not only Switzerland has amply achieved its savings target, but also the EU. All in all, EU countries have reduced their gas consumption by more than 19 percent since mid-2022 compared to previous years, surpassing their own target of 15 percent. Talks are already underway to envision a higher savings target for the coming winter. (Russian)
While there is a problem when it comes to saving electricity, the Swiss people get high marks when it comes to saving gas. Switzerland should save almost 4,000 gigawatt hours in the winter months by the end of March – ie 15 percent of gas consumption.
But the savings target was reached at the end of January. And in the relatively warm February, the cushion was expanded again. With a saving of 5116 gigawatt hours, the saving target has already been achieved by 128 percent. So much more than hoped – and there is still a month until the final statement.
The EU also exceeds its savings target
The set savings target has been exceeded every month so far. The country recorded record savings of almost 40 percent in October. The target was almost achieved in December and January, with 17 percent less gas consumption each time. In February, it went up again with 19 percent savings.
Not only Switzerland has amply achieved its savings target, but also the EU. All in all, EU countries have reduced their gas consumption by more than 19 percent since mid-2022 compared to previous years, surpassing their own target of 15 percent. Talks are already underway to envision a higher savings target for the coming winter. (Russian)
However, the Federal Office for National Economic Provision points out in its latest report that due to the “insufficient rainfall in January and February, river levels are currently lower and snow cover in the mountains is significantly less than normal”. On the other hand, the availability of nuclear power plants in France has improved.
What is clear is that the missed savings target will have no consequences for the time being, as it is – still – a voluntary target. The Bundesrat adopted this last December from the EU.
Savings promotion extended
Even though Switzerland will get through this winter without shortages, they are already working hard on the coming winter. “The energy supply situation in Switzerland and Europe remains tense and is likely to be even more challenging in the winter of 2023/24 than in the current winter,” the Federal Office of Energy explained in a statement.
The Bundesrat therefore does not want to give up its austerity efforts. And so, at its last meeting, it also decided to continue the winter energy saving initiative. An additional 7 million Swiss francs will be added to the 14 million previously announced for the savings campaign.
In the coming winter season, the Swiss will once again have the opportunity to prove themselves as champions in the field of energy saving.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
