Swiss authorities warn of threatened electricity shortages

By Ann Kernahan, December 2022

There is a risk of energy shortages in Switzerland and energy security is no longer "something to take for granted". This was stated by the country's Federal Council.

A report from the Association of Swiss Energy Companies says that Switzerland has to make changes to secure its energy supply. In particular, the rapid development of renewable energies, the transformation and expansion of the grid and a close exchange of energy with Europe are necessary. Without this, Switzerland will not meet its energy and climate targets by 2050.

Currently, Switzerland's dependence on energy imports accounts for 79 percent of the total.

According to RIA Novosti, the Swiss authorities have previously unveiled a plan to save energy due to the threat of energy shortages. The residents of the country are offered to wash in a washing machine at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees, as well as to reduce the maximum speed on the roads to 100 kilometres per hour.

Last week French President Emmanuel Macron urged citizens not to panic because of the cold weather and save energy. As a last resort, he said, we should be prepared for a blackout "for a few hours".