Blackout fear: Switzerland is planning driving bans for e-cars


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

A draft law is causing debates in Switzerland. The strategy paper “Ordinance on Restrictions and Bans on the Use of Electrical Energy” mentions driving bans for e-cars.

Is being discussed in Switzerland: driving bans for electric cars if it is not absolutely necessary. (Source: Tesla / Montage: Netzwelt)

  • Switzerland fears for the country’s stable power supply during the winter months.
  • In order to prevent a possible blackout, heavy consumers should be switched off.
  • A four-step plan defines measures for how this is to be accomplished.

Switzerland has recently drawn attention with remarkable steps: Old satellite dishes are being converted into photovoltaic systems, powerful pumped storage power plants are connected to the grid. If power consumption remains high in winter, none of this could be enough.

Our neighboring country is arming itself against a power shortage with a four-stage plan. The “Ordinance on Restrictions and Bans on the Use of Electrical Energy” is currently a draft law whose entry into force is to be decided in December. You can see the draft here.

It quickly becomes clear that the more the situation worsens, the more drastic the measures will be. If an energy problem becomes apparent, the Swiss are only allowed to set their washing machines to a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. Refrigerators must not be cooler than 6 degrees Celsius. At night, all electrically operated billboards and shop window lighting should also be switched off.

At level 2, the Swiss have to save on hot water if this is processed with the help of electrical energy. The tumble dryer and the ironing of laundry must be avoided in private households. In addition, the following applies: “Streaming services must limit the resolution of their streaming offers to standard definition (SD)”.

In the third “escalation step”, the opening times of shops are reduced by one to two hours a day. Freezers must be covered with styrofoam sheets or night curtains. Anyone who heats their house or apartment exclusively with the help of electricity must not exceed a room temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.

In this step, the private use of electric cars is also prohibited. The draft law states: “The private use of electric cars is only permitted for absolutely necessary journeys (e.g. professional practice, shopping, visiting the doctor, attending religious events, attending court appointments). What do you think of this draft law? Can you take similar measures for Germany? Vote in our poll and find out what other Netzwelt readers think about it.

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