Preventing the gas shortage in Switzerland
In response to the gas shortage, the Federal Council announced specific measures. This past Wednesday, the Council sent two draft regulations for consultation.
Two draft ordinances were submitted to the Federal Council for consultation on Wednesday in anticipation of the coming gas shortage. The proposal entails, on the one hand, banning gas from specific uses and, on the other hand, imposing a quota on gas use.
The state government stressed in its announcement that the regulations would only take effect if there were severe deficiencies. To solve the problem, appeals for savings and switching to oil-based dual-fuel systems are not sufficient.
As part of the draft regulations, gas could be banned from unused heating buildings, swimming pools, wellness facilities, or saunas. It may also be prohibited operating radiant heaters or heat tents.
However, limiting the temperature to which gas can be used to heat interior spaces would also make it possible. Gas boilers should heat water to a maximum of 60 degrees, depending on the location.
As a first step, the federal government says it will affect workspaces. But, according to the report, the reductions could also affect private households.
A second draft regulation specifies how to calculate quotas. The proposal also introduces the concept of “protected customers,” which refers not only to households and essential social services such as hospitals, retirement homes, police, and fire departments but also to water and energy providers.
Quota-affected companies would be able to trade unused quotas via a pool.
Cantons, associations and other interested and concerned parties can comment on the Council’s proposals until September 22, 2022.
An open question remains: How will these changes affect all tourism facilities?
Share your opinion with us in a comment below! We are sure this winter will be different from the previous ones.
Read more News
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter at the bottom of this page.
Photo by Peter Fly on Unsplash
