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. Gas supply in Switzerland is largely controlled by the industry sector. 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.

Switzerland has neither its own natural gas reserves nor large domestic storage capacities, so all the natural gas it uses must be imported. Swiss gas companies purchase natural gas on trading platforms in neighbouring EU countries. As a major transit country in the heart of Europe, it is very well integrated into the European natural gas transport network. The transit pipeline between Germany and Italy can be used in either direction. Switzerland also has a widespread domestic transport network.

In a gas shortage situation, the aim of the NES is to reduce consumption with demand-side measures in order to bridge the shortage. A gas shortage could severely affect the daily lives of several hundred thousand people. Private households and businesses can take steps to reduce their gas consumption.

Crisis intervention organisation for gas supply in extraordinary situations

KIO Gas is the crisis intervention organisation for gas supply in extraordinary situations. It is subordinate to the federal government National Economic Supply organisation, acting on the latter's instructions if a gas shortage occurs.