Behind the scenes
Switzerland in energy-saving mode
by Stephan Kurmann
Is energy saving already out of fashion again?
1.9.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Last year, it was the Swiss word of the year: power shortages. And ever since the Federal Council made a power-saving appeal to the nation in September 2022, the Swiss population was all geared up to crank down. Just under a year later, things are looking very different. Products that save or produce power are slowly gathering dust in our warehouse.
Exactly one year ago, the Federal Council addressed the nation with appeals to save energy. With the campaign «Energy is scarce. Let’s not waste it,» Simonetta Sommaruga, former head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, tried to encourage people to save energy. The goal? To prevent a power shortage in the upcoming winter.
Federal power-saving appeal successful
The appeal had an impact. People in Switzerland faithfully bought energy-saving products including timers, water-saving showerheads and LED lamps. They also armed themselves with equipment to store or even generate electricity in an emergency. Sales of power stations, power generators and solar panels boomed in the second half of 2022.
But then, last winter turned out to be a mild one – moderate temperatures and hardly any frost. Swiss households didn’t need to turn their heating up as much as feared, and the economy also benefited from lower energy consumption.
The fear of power shortages
As winter took its course, it became apparent that there was enough power to go around. This was confirmed earlier this year by the managing director of the Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) (article in German). He gave the all-clear: Switzerland would probably get through the winter without a power shortage. The well-filled water reservoirs and nuclear power from France flowing again led him to make this positive forecast. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), however, continues to rate the power supply situation as «tense».
From best seller to shelf warmer
The Swiss population seemed to share Elcom’s optimism: in 2023, energy-saving zeal dropped sharply. While candles were the number one seller in September 2022, the online retailer sold 71 per cent fewer candles in August 2023. A similar picture was revealed for sales of solar panels (-68%) and LED candles (-40%).
Preppers also stopped purchasing energy-producing products. Power stations, electricity generators and firewood are currently much less likely to end up in customers’ virtual shopping carts than they were a year ago.
What are your thoughts on the power shortage issue? A lot of noise about nothing or a problem that’s been postponed but not resolved? Join the discussion in the comments.
Stephan Kurmann
Senior Communications Manager
Stephan.Kurmann@digitecgalaxus.chStudies claim that we have a shorter attention span than goldfish. Ouch! My job is to get your attention as often and for as long as possible. How? With content you enjoy. Outside of the office, you’ll find me on the tennis court, curled up with a book, Netflixing or travelling.
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