Switzerland's electricity demand: import dependency leads to significant risks

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As a report of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) shows, Switzerland's high dependence on imports for its electricity demand leads to substantial risks over a long period of time, especially since the export capability of neighboring countries is reduced by the reduction or phase-out of nuclear and coal energy. At the same time, the dependence on political decisions abroad, be it from EU bodies or from regulators, is increasing.

In view of the enormous importance of a secure power supply, it would mean a considerable risk to operate the system at the limit for years. Based on these considerations, Elcom recommends that at least enough winter production be provided in Switzerland so that no more than 10 TWh need be imported in the winter half-year.

Very good quality of care in Switzerland

However, Switzerland still belongs to the group of countries with the highest quality of supply in Europe. As in previous years, Elcom calculated the power quality based on the interruption reports of more than three minutes from the 94 largest network operators in Switzerland. These represent 88 percent of the energy feed-out in Switzerland.

However, the figures show that under-recoveries develop disproportionately compared with over-recoveries. Grid operators have to charge interest on over-recoveries to the benefit of end consumers, whereas interest may be charged on under-recoveries. Network operators could also deliberately create under-recoveries in order to skim off interest profits due to the current favorable financing opportunities. Elcom will intensify its activities to reduce under-recoveries in the current year.

All documents are available on the ElCom website (www.elcom.admin.ch) can be viewed.