Energy
The Energy Division ensures Switzerland’s supply of key energy resources in the event of serious shortages.
Energy in its various forms is an essential resource for society. Currently, around 46% of Switzerland’s energy needs are met by oil, 27% by electricity and 12% by natural gas. Oil and gas are exclusively imported from abroad.
The NES has developed measures for all energy sources and for drinking water to ensure supply even during severe shortages. Measures can be taken on both the supply side (e.g. by releasing compulsory stocks) and the demand side (e.g. by appealing to the public to save energy or implementing quotas).
Organisation
The specialists at FONES are supported by experts from industry, associations and other specialised offices with a part-time mandate.
Measures
In order to prevent a severe shortage or to be able to cope with one without major damage to the economy and society, the Energy Division (in some cases the Industry and ICT divisions as well) devises measures for electricity, natural gas, oil and wood.
Topics
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.
Petroleum products
Petroleum products meet about half of Switzerland’s energy requirements. As fuels and combustibles, they are extremely important for private transport and industry.
Natural gas
Natural gas meets about 15 per cent of Switzerland's energy requirements. In this country, it is mainly used for heating and cooking – around 30,000 homes are heated with gas – as well as in industry. Compared with many other European countries, Switzerland uses very little gas. If it is no longer able to meet the shortage with its own resources, the state intervenes. The National Economic Supply is responsible for preparing and implementing management measures in the event of gas shortages.
Wood energy
Switzerland has a secure supply of energy wood products. This is in part thanks to the market monitoring programme set up by the sector.
Drinking water
Drinking water is our most important foodstuff. The drinking water supply is therefore categorised as critical infrastructure. The cantons are responsible for overseeing the supply of drinking water, while local communes are responsible for the supply of water to the public. In the event of a severe shortage, the cantons, communes and water supply companies work together to ensure that the public receives an adequate supply.