Electricity

Nowadays, nobody can imagine everyday life without electricity – few things are able to operate without it. However, the suppy of electrical energy is not unlimited; bottlenecks in the power supply may occur. An electricity shortage is one of the greatest potential threats to Switzerland. It is essential that we prepare for such a scenario. Electricity supply in Switzerland is largely the responsibility of the private sector. If the latter cannot manage a shortage with its own resources, the state intervenes. The National Economic Supply organisation (NES) is responsible for preparing and implementing management measures in the event of gas shortages.

Power outage

Power outages are unpredictable interruptions to the power supply. They can occur locally, regionally or even across continents and may last a few minutes, hours or days. They usually occur as the result of damage to the distribution infrastructure, grid overload or technical faults. Large-scale power outages are commonly known as blackouts.

Local and regional interruptions to the power supply are not uncommon in Switzerland. They occur for a variety of reasons. The impact of such interruptions may be considerable, depending on their duration and extent. Generally, the electricity industry is in a position to deal with short outages independently and can restore the power supply within a short time. This can be done by quickly identifying and rectifying faults or by rerouting power flows to minimise the impact on the affected areas.

Power shortage

Unlike during a power outage (blackout), in a power shortage situation electricity is available, but at a reduced level. An electricity shortage occurs when there is an imbalance between supply and demand because of insufficient production, transmission and/or import capacities for several days, weeks or months. An electricity shortage is caused by a chain of several events. For example, domestic production may fall following a dry summer because of low water levels in rivers and reservoirs. This situation is exacerbated if electricity cannot be imported freely because neighbouring countries are struggling with similar production problems. There is an even greater risk of a shortage if transmission capacities are restricted because a natural event has caused damage to infrastructure.

When electricity shortages occur, the federal authorities – the National Economic Supply (NES) organisation – are responsible for drawing up and implementing measures to reduce electricity consumption and regulate the supply of electricity. Depending on the supply situation, these measures are implemented individually or in combination. The aim is to ensure that electricity can be supplied at a reduced level. Depending on the course and intensity of the shortage, the Federal Council may amend or repeal the ordinances on management measures. The Organisation for Power Supply in Extraordinary Situations (OSTRAL) is responsible for organising the implementation of certain of these measures.

OSTRAL

Since the federal government relies on the private sector to implement the measures drawn up to ensure the supply of electricity, it has assigned responsibility for ensuring this happens to the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (ASEC) and the organisation OSTRAL.

The Organisation for Power Supply in Extraordinary Situations (OSTRAL) has the task of ensuring that measures ordered by the federal government in the case of serious power shortages are applied and enforced. It is a private sector organisation operating under public law and is overseen by the NES Energy Division.

Ways for individuals to prepare for power shortages and blackouts

Although the electricity industry and the government have measures in place to deal with a power outage, it is essentially the responsibility of all citizens to be prepared for a crisis, as well as being in their own interest. A power outage can occur when there is a power shortage, and may be either unforeseen or occur because of a grid shutdown, the last of the available crisis management measures.

Experience has shown that, when faults occur, a much faster and more efficient response is possible when adequate preparations are in place. Members of the public can reduce the negative effects of a power shortage by taking simple measures and adopting the right behaviour.

Below you will find information on how to prepare for a power outage and how to act should one occur. When making preparations, bear in mind that this is an exceptional situation; the top priority is to limit any damage or inconvenience caused.

Above all, people must not be placed at risk. It is therefore important to set the right priorities.

• How to prepare for a power outage

  Think about:

  • how you can prepare a hot meal without electricity;
  • how you can obtain sufficient light;
  • how you can access important news;
  • how you can continue to operate any appliances, devices and systems you need (e.g. medical devices such as dialysis machines, alarms, pumps)

  The following devices and objects may be of use:

  • cooking facilities without electricity, e.g.
    - camping stove with gas cartridges
    - gas/methylated spirit fondue burner
    - outdoor gas/wood/charcoal barbecue or kitchen
  • sufficient candles or camping lamps with gas cartridges; matches/cigarette lighter
  • car radio or battery-powered radio
  • torch
  • sufficient spare batteries for torch, radio etc.
  • sufficient spare fuel for cooking facilities (fuel/gas/wood/charcoal)

  It is also advisable to keep a permanent emergency supply of the following:

  • at least 9 litres of water per person
  • a week's supply of non-perishable food
  • first aid supplies/personal medication etc. for at least one week
  • some cash in small notes

  Please see our emergency supplies calculator.

• How to act during a power outage

  • Keep calm and make sure you have enough light.
  • Listen to the radio – national radio or your local radio station; possibly use battery-powered devices (e.g. smartphone) to check the electricity provider's website to see if any specific information is available.
  • Devices such as irons, electric hand tools, etc. that switch on automatically when the power supply is restored should either be switched off or unplugged.
  • Keep fridges and freezers closed if possible; the fridge should be emptied after six hours of power interruption, the freezer after 24 hours.
  • Check no one is trapped in nearby lifts; organise help if necessary.
  • Follow the instructions of the police, fire brigade and civil defence authorities.
  • If the water supply is still working, store drinking water in buckets, canisters, etc.
  • Inform elderly people about the power outage.
  • Contact neighbours and check on persons living alone. Join forces and help each other.
  • If you need support, go to an emergency meeting point near you.