Werner Luginbühl’s Cautionary Words on Switzerland’s Winter Power Supply

Werner Luginbühl, President of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom), has issued a cautionary statement regarding the upcoming winter’s power supply. Speaking at the Swiss Electricity Congress in Bern, Luginbühl highlighted that despite Switzerland’s commendable preparation with emergency measures, uncertainties still loom.

Luginbühl underscored the presence of risk, particularly in the scenario of an extended cold spell coupled with a potential cessation of natural gas supplies from Russia to Europe. Such a combination of events could strain the country’s power resources.

Looking ahead to the winter of 2024/25, Werner Luginbühl emphasized the importance of retaining these emergency measures to counter unforeseen challenges. It was under the guidance of Elcom that the Swiss government secured these reserves for the current winter, showcasing proactive governance in energy management. Albert Rosti, the energy minister agrees.

Moreover, in the long-term perspective, Elcom underscores the necessity of several initiatives. Key among these is the energy decree aimed at expediting the energy transition, notably the acceleration bill. This bill is designed to streamline the planning and approval processes for renewable energy projects, including hydro, solar, and wind power plants. Additionally, an electricity agreement with the European Union is deemed essential for sustained energy security and stability.

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