Retailers are reaching their energy saving limits

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Winter is over and Switzerland has survived without a lack of energy. Nevertheless, SVP Minister of Energy Albert Rösti (55) wants to call for the next cold season to turn down the heating and take shorter showers. “We were lucky with the weather this winter,” he said.

The following winter may be more critical. When it gets colder, less energy can be imported and there is a dry summer. “That is why it makes sense to save electricity in such a way that there is no loss of welfare, but it is good for the wallet.”

Retailers are reaching their energy saving limits

But how much electricity can still be saved? At a meeting of the Winter Energy Saving Initiative, several industry representatives presented the solutions they have been using over the past few months.

For Dagmar Jenni (54), director of the Swiss Retail Federation, one thing is clear when it comes to the upcoming winter: the stores will reach their limits when it comes to energy-saving measures. The retail trade association proposed 37 savings measures in October, including lower temperatures in the store, less lighting or the abandonment of purely decorative lighting. More will be difficult.

Federal Councilor Rösti expresses understanding for the statements. “Of course, technical measures are also needed to save, especially in companies.” The machines would become more efficient. He mentions the energy mantle decree, with the intention that the electricity companies will also “sell” saving measures through advice and recommendations for new appliances.

The retail companies have already saved diligently, says Jenni. If a calamity occurs – even with the risk of electricity quotas – the companies that would have voluntarily saved should not be penalized. A demand that Jenni has so far reached the Federal Council.

Saving energy should take longer

The population must also save. Possibly after next winter. For Switzerland, risks will continue to exist in the coming years. “It would be presumptuous to give an exact year,” says Rösti. Now winter power must be added quickly. Means: higher sheet piles, more solar systems in the Alps and more wind turbines. “Of course we’re talking about five to 10 years in a good thing.”

The Bundesrat depends on the participating population. Switzerland has already failed to meet its electricity saving target. Switzerland has only saved four percent – ​​one percent of which is due to the warm winter. The target was ten percent. Things look better for gas: 5,800 gigawatt hours of gas were saved between October and March – equivalent to four times the annual gas consumption of the canton of Basel-Stadt.

In the new campaign, Rösti wants to take into account that the population will not be dulled by the many calls for savings. “With the current high electricity prices, it makes perfect sense to take energy-saving measures where possible.”

Source:Blick