The war in Ukraine has aggravated the situation on the energy market across Europe. Just three months ago, the Federal Council said that Switzerland should also have enough gas available in winter – today it sounds different. The Federal Council is urging companies to prepare for a possible shortage of gas and electricity. Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga comments on the impending crisis.
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I think these are tips that are actually known to everyone: take a shower instead of taking a full bath, fill the dishwasher completely before you start it, dry the laundry outside instead of in the tumble dryer or unplug the appliance when it is in standby mode , than run the stream. There isn’t a single method.
You said at the media conference today: It’s all about the whole thing – everyone has to work together. Is the Swiss energy supply really that bad?
We have a war in Europe. We see that Russia has now partially curbed gas exports. That means the whole of Europe is in an energy crisis. Switzerland is not an island, we are part of it. We have done intensive preparatory work over the past six months. Together with the Economic Department, with the cantons, with the economic sectors, with Elcom (editor’s note: electricity regulatory authority).
We cannot completely rule out a shortage in the future. And that’s why it’s important to tell the population and the economy honestly
We have built up reserves for hydroelectric power, for gas, and liquidity guarantees that the electricity companies will not go bankrupt in this situation. But we have to say today: We cannot completely rule out a shortage in the future. And that’s why it’s important to tell the population and the economy honestly.
Up until a few weeks ago, they said it didn’t look like there was a shortage. Now it sounds completely different. Should we expect the big alarm to sound after the summer holidays?
The situation has worsened in recent weeks. Because Russia has now tightened the screw again to some extent towards Germany – and that is a very important country for the Swiss gas supply. We simply have to be aware that when it comes to gas and oil, we are 100 percent dependent on other countries.
Every household that can now switch to renewable energy also has a piece of independence.
Exactly, we are heavily dependent on foreign countries. SVP says it’s your fault…
Well, I don’t know how they came up with such an idea. The Federal Council has done a lot in recent years. Every household that can now switch to renewable energy also has a piece of independence. And that’s why the Federal Council is also giving intensive support to households that want to get out of gas or oil. Because this strong foreign dependency, everyone feels that now, it’s uncomfortable.
But who is responsible for the fact that there is still such a great dependency. Is it your predecessor Doris Leuthard?
no You see, in the last ten years we have certainly relied too firmly on electricity politically: If you don’t have enough electricity, then you just import it. What you always knew – maybe some people didn’t want to admit it, it was always clear to me – when it comes to gas and oil, we are 100 percent dependent. And we can’t even save it to ourselves. And that’s why we said with the CO2 law: You have to support the population so that they can switch to renewable energies and local energies as far as possible. It’s been a year in Parliament now. But I’m sure everyone wants things to move forward now.
When it comes to gas and oil, we are 100 percent dependent on foreign countries. And we can’t even save it to ourselves.
This is a long-term approach, but at the same time there are now calls for a short-term appeal to save electricity and, above all, gas. They also come from their party, the SP. Why hasn’t the Federal Council gone that far – why hasn’t it made this appeal yet?
In Switzerland, we need most of the gas in winter. And that’s why it would be a bit strange to say to people in the middle of summer: don’t heat so much with gas. But it is clear, we are now doing an awareness campaign. With tips on where to save. You can also save money on electricity and gas.
The conversation was led by Larissa Rhyn.
Daily news, June 26, 2022, 6 p.m. ; srf/rhyl; again