Energy use reaches record levels
The consumption of electricity in Switzerland reached record levels last year, despite efforts to curb usage. The increase was primarily due to the economic upturn.
Consumption rose by 2.3 per cent in 2000, after a 3.2 per cent increase the previous year, according to figures released by the energy ministry on Friday.
The level of use by industry rose by more than three per cent, reflecting the improvement in the Swiss economy.
Population growth also boosted consumption, and the fact that last year was a leap year, with one extra day, added another 0.3 per cent to the total.
Switzerland’s 10-year energy-saving programme, introduced in 1991, has had a positive influence on the level of electricity use, according to the ministry. Without the programme, the level of consumption would have risen by 3.6 per cent last year.
The amount of energy produced by domestic power stations dropped slightly last year.
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