The recommendation to switch has been encouraged before by authorities as a way to reduce national gas usage by 15% this winter, in line with European Union (EU) efforts.
The restated appeal on Friday reassured businesses that they would not be hit with additional eco-taxes when they switch to the environmentally unfriendly oil; the government has temporarily adapted the CO2 laws accordingly, it said.
More
More
Switzerland braces for winter energy crunch
This content was published on
Explainer: why is there a risk of an energy shortage this winter? What is Switzerland doing to reduce gas and electricity consumption?
The authorities will also free up, from October 3, national stockpiles of petrol, diesel, oil and kerosene in order to compensate for what it said were limited freight capacities on the Rhine river and logistical problems with foreign rail transport. These reserves are sufficient for four-and-a-half months of regular usage (three months in the case of kerosene).
The ordinance releasing the stocks will remain in force “for as long as the situation absolutely requires”, the government said.
Mixed progress
Switzerland’s 15% gas reduction plans are part of Europe-wide efforts to cope with the interruption of deliveries from Russia and the skyrocketing price of gas generally. Earlier this week, Bastian Schwark, who heads the energy division at the Federal Office for National Economic Supply, told the Neue Zürcher Zeitungnewspaper that the efforts were on track: companies had reacted and gas consumption had fallen by 20% in the past two months, he said.
Less progress has however been made on efforts to cut down on general electricity use, the Keystone-SDA news agency wrote on Friday. In August this year – despite government appeals and official energy-saving tipsExternal link – 2.5% less electricity than normal (compared to the average over the past 10 years) was used across the country: a slight drop in line with regular fluctuations, Keystone-SDA wrote.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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.
Read more
More
Switzerland aims to reduce winter gas consumption by 15%
This content was published on
The Swiss government has set a voluntary reduction target for the winter to safeguard against potential gas shortages in Europe.
This content was published on
The government has given the green light to begin building a temporary reserve power plant, to be operational from February 2023.
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.