Electricity agreement with the EU triggers opening of the electricity market
The planned electricity agreement with the EU will also lead to an opening of the electricity market for consumers. In future, they will be free to choose their supplier or remain in the basic supply. The Federal Council's key points also provide for consumer protection measures.
Switzerland’s planned electricity agreement with the EU also provides for the electricity market to be opened up to end consumers. According to a press release, the Federal Council therefore presented key points for this opening on 14 May.
The Federal Council’s key points stipulate that end consumers can choose to remain in the basic supply of the local supplier with its regulated prices and can also freely choose their electricity supplier. They are also free to return to the basic supplier, even during the year. Basic suppliers can charge a fee for switching out of or back into the basic supply.
At the same time, consumer protection measures are to be introduced. For example, a comparison portal will provide an overview of offers. An ombudsman’s office will offer arbitration options. The contracts with the supplying companies must fulfil certain requirements. The Federal Electricity Commission will monitor the market.
The electricity market has been open in the EU since 2007. A referendum in 2002 failed to open up the Swiss electricity market. Since 2009, the market has been open to large customers with a consumption of at least 100,000 kilowatt hours per year.