On Wednesday, the Federal Council announced that it wants demand for gas to be reduced by 15% from October 2022 to the end of March 2023 compared to the average consumption of the last five years. In doing so, the Swiss government is following the European Union, which set itself the same target a month ago to prepare for possible disruptions of gas supplies from Russia.
Heating alone accounts for three quarters of the gas consumed in winter. Households, industry, services sector and public institutions have been asked to turn down the thermostat. One degree less of heating, for example, saves 5% to 6% of energy, according to the government. An information campaign will be launched at the end of August.
Voluntary switching of dual-fuel installations from gas to oil is also encouraged. This could result in savings of up to 20% of total consumption. However, companies resorting to this strategy run the risks of incurring additional CO2 taxes. Adjustments to the relevant ordinance are therefore being prepared.
Other energy saving measures proposed by Federal Council include unplugging of unused appliances and computers, efficient use of office spaces and working from home.
More
Debate
Hosted by:
Patricia Islas
How can we reduce energy consumption?
Are there measures in place to reduce the consumption of gas where you live? What are your experiences or ideas?
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
This content was published on
Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
This content was published on
Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
This content was published on
2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
This content was published on
The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
This content was published on
More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
This content was published on
Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.