Electricity shortage – are we going out of the lights because of federalism? – News

The federal government and the cantons are currently planning for a power shortage. Demands for central coordination are becoming louder.

The danger is real that electricity will run out in Switzerland. Failures of French nuclear power plants, scarce natural gas and low water levels in reservoirs therefore now require emergency plans. First and foremost, the federal government wants to prescribe electricity-saving measures in the event of a shortage. If this is not enough, for example in late winter, the electricity would have to be switched off for each district.

Then where will the light go out? And can power be guaranteed for critical infrastructure? The cantons are currently examining these issues in detail. Various experts confirm that individual buildings can hardly be spared from technical shutdowns. The cantons are therefore trying to cushion the consequences of a possible blackout in management teams and with emergency plans.

It is important that society and the state can continue to function

“It is important that society and the state can continue to function,” says Patrick Reiniger, President of the Baselland Management Staff. The canton found out which companies have emergency power generators and where a blackout would have an impact. The canton is now trying to close the most serious supply gaps.

Konrad Amman from the energy supplier Primeo doubts that all pillars of public life can be maintained during the crisis. The cantons are also preparing to raise public awareness. Graubünden announced today that households have to prepare for up to four hours without electricity.

National leadership required

The main responsibility for a shortage lies with the federal government, where, for example, the national organization for electricity supply in extraordinary situations is preparing to stabilize the electricity grid. In addition, however, numerous other federal agencies are preparing for emergencies in their area of ​​responsibility.

The president of the cantonal conference of energy directors, Mario Cavigelli, calls for a cross-departmental management staff at the federal level. This is to oversee emergency planning nationwide and coordinate crisis management in an emergency.

In an emergency, it is not just an energy crisis, but also affects other areas of public life.

If there is no electricity, surveillance cameras, for example, fail. In addition to health care, power outages would also affect security, which requires cross-sectoral action, says Cavigelli, who is also a member of the Graubünden government: “In an emergency, it’s not just an energy crisis, it also affects other areas of public life.” It is also important that communication between the government levels and the energy industry be improved.

With a view to the corona pandemic, the Federal Audit Commission wrote in the spring that the federal government was unsatisfactory in coordinating the crisis organization. Even if the pandemic was generally managed well.

Canton representative Cavigelli hints today that there are now lessons to be learned. There is also enough knowledge throughout Switzerland for a possible energy crisis. However, all resources would now have to be coordinated by a central body in a completely apolitical manner.