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A/C down, tie offEU countries are already saving gas – politicians are calling for measures in Switzerland
This week, Russia announced that it would only send 20 percent of the gas to Europe. While neighboring countries are reacting with concrete savings measures, the Federal Council is talking about an awareness-raising campaign. This is far too little for green politicians.
For the Green National Councilor Bastien Girod it is therefore clear: “On the one hand we have to show solidarity with Europe, on the other hand we also have a problem ourselves if we continue as before,” says Girod, who is a member of the national energy commission.
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Colleague Kurt Egger (Greens) hopes that the government will move forward in the next 14 days. He demands creative solutions.
Putin sometimes turns the throttle on, then back off.
This ensures unpredictable gas supplies from Russia to Europe.
The EU has now set up a savings plan for gas consumption.
Measures are being taken in the countries around Switzerland.
Politicians complain that too little is being done in this country.
The unpredictable gas supplies from Russia are forcing Europe to act: the 27 EU countries have agreed on an immediate austerity plan. By means of a compromise solution, the participating states want to save a total of 15 percent on gas by March 2023.
The EU countries — whether dependent on gas or not — must now comply: For example, a Spanish regulation states that air conditioning systems may not cool below 27 degrees Celsius, while heating may only heat up to 19 degrees Celsius. This applies throughout Spain to all state-owned companies, public transport, shops, hotels or companies. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also urged Spaniards to stop wearing ties in offices. This is to further save energy in the current heat.
“We have to show solidarity with Europe”
Switzerland, which gets the Russian gas delivered via Germany — which, as mentioned, sees itself in a dilemma — and is generally 100 percent dependent on foreign countries for gas and oil, has not yet presented any regulations or concrete savings plans. For National Councilor Bastien Girod it is therefore clear: “The Federal Council is particularly passive here.” Already late, the government must now act immediately: “On the one hand, we have to show solidarity with Europe, on the other hand, we also have a problem ourselves if we continue as before,” says Girod, who is a member of the national energy commission.
Germany is putting pressure on Switzerland
When it comes to gas, Switzerland is particularly dependent on Germany – and Germany, in turn, on Russia. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection is now increasing the pressure on Switzerland: It considers it “appropriate that the border regions also clearly participate in austerity measures”. Some regions – such as the St. Gallen Rhine Valley and the canton of Graubünden – obtain their gas according to “NZZ am Sonntag” (paid items) only from Germany. According to the ministry, these regions would also be affected if Germany were to experience a gas emergency. The Swiss Environment Department (UVEK) is open to making a contribution. The Federal Council will decide on measures.
Compared to 20 minutes, party and commission colleague Kurt Egger also says that in the next 14 days things have to be nailed down urgently. He demands creative solutions from the government that will later save Switzerland from an unpleasant bottleneck. He also provides concrete ideas for this: “Switzerland should start a national advisory offensive.” Advisors would check gas heating systems at the expense of the state and adjust them if necessary. In addition, so-called auctions are intended to create incentives in the industrial sector to save gas. With this model, companies can sell their active gas savings for a fee.
No forced savings in households – but tips for the right shower
According to the two green national councillors, private households should not be prosecuted: “For me, compulsory saving in households is out of the question,” says Egger clearly. Nevertheless, Girod finds it necessary to involve the population more in the current situation: “The government must immediately use campaigns to sensitize people and actively encourage them to use gas sparingly,” says Giro.
The Swiss government has already announced such a campaign: “We are working – together with business and industry – on a campaign to show what each of us can contribute,” says Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga in an SRF interview. This project is welcome, says Egger: “Simple measures such as washing dishes in cold water, taking shorter showers or using the heat from the oven already reduce gas consumption by around five percent.”
What are the others doing?
In Italy, which is dependent on Russian gas, people are looking to the future: The state wants to become completely independent of Russian gas by 2024. As a short-term solution, Italy has also put in place an energy saving plan. The own storages are also filled up as a precaution.
France, with its high proportion of electric heating in winter, is not so dependent on gas and is showing all the more solidarity with Germany: Gas deliveries were offered from Paris to its neighbor, where every second household is heated with gas. Internally, Germany is also budgeting sparingly: Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has presented a package of measures. By ordinance, companies are obliged to save energy. For example, “transfer rooms” such as corridors or entrances should no longer be heated in winter. Homeowners are also not allowed to heat private pools with gas in winter.
Danish companies, for example, are currently receiving help to save on gas. “The current geopolitical situation could mean that some companies do not have access to gas and therefore have to stop or reduce their production.” The goal of the state is to be able to help companies to save gas in the short term in an efficient and fast way, like the commercial aid.
(mew)