Switzerland is slowing down

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The Swiss slackened the last meters a bit: in March, the country barely reached the target of 15 percent for gas savings, but ‘only’ 13.9 percent, as the latest figures from the federal government’s energy dashboard show.

A small drop of bitterness in the overall balance. During the winter months, the economy and population far exceeded the Federal Council’s austerity target. 3997 gigawatt hours less gas consumption from October to March was the target, 5547 gigawatt hours were achieved, the gas savings target was exceeded by 39 percent.

Mild temperatures, high gas prices

The population laid the foundation for success last year. In October, almost 40 percent less gas was used than in previous years. Even in November that was almost 30 percent. In the following three months, however, underconsumption was only just above the 15 percent mark and fell slightly below it last month.

The federal government is pleased with the success. “Not only in Switzerland, but throughout Europe, gas consumption was significantly lower than in recent years,” says Marianne Zünd of the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). “That was partly due to the mild temperatures, but also due to the high gas prices.”

The industry in particular reacted very sensitively to gas prices. For example, companies temporarily shut down a production line completely.

Switch to heating oil

Gas was also saved by switching to other energy sources. “Many of the operators of the approximately 800 dual-fuel systems that can switch from gas to fuel oil have implemented the Federal Council recommendation for the switch, which is valid until the end of March 2023,” reports Zünd.

Finally, the spokeswoman for SFOE sees another reason in the call for voluntary energy savings. “Households with gas heaters also felt the sharp price increases, turned down their heating and thus contributed to the saving effect.”

Extension of the gas saving target until 2024?

The federal government does not like to rest on its laurels. Instead, he is already making plans for the coming winter. “We are currently investigating the continuation of the voluntary gas savings target,” explains Zünd.

The EU has already extended the 15 percent target to the end of March 2024. So it would not be surprising if the Federal Council goes along with it – and shows solidarity as it has done so far.

An extension also makes sense. Because the supply situation remains tense, as there are some uncertainties regarding the coming winter.

It is unclear whether the European gas storage facilities will be sufficiently filled by the autumn. In addition, Norway is planning maintenance work on its gas infrastructure and demand for liquefied gas is increasing in Asia. That intensifies competition.

It is also unclear whether – especially abroad – more gas should be converted into electricity if, for example, hydropower or nuclear power stations can produce less due to the drought. In addition, Zünd also points to the risk of a much colder winter ahead.

There is a problem with the electricity saving target

While Switzerland shines when it comes to the gas saving target, it falls short when it comes to the electricity saving target. Data for March is not yet available. But it is already clear that the intended 10 percent reduction in consumption will not be achieved.

Nevertheless, according to Zünd, the voluntary electricity savings target decided by the Federal Council in December 2022 “also applies for the months of November and December 2023”.

Source:Blick