Energy

Switzerland has a reliable and secure nationwide energy supply system. Petroleum products accounted for 45.2% of gross energy consumption in Switzerland in 2007. Nuclear power plants supplied 25.2% of the nation’s energy, and 11.5% was produced using hydropower. Natural gas also plays a relatively significant role, supplying 9.7% of the energy requirements in 2004. Electricity accounted for 23.9% of final consumption and was generated for the most part in Switzerland (hydroelectric power plants: 55%, nuclear power plants: 40%). Switzerland’s integration into the interconnected European energy system ensures that the entire country is supplied with electricity, even during periods of particularly high power consumption. This also applies to the other forms of energy, such as natural gas and petroleum. There is an extensive network of petrol stations that provide fuel for motor vehicles: over 3,500 for petrol and diesel fuel and more than 60 for natural gas and biogas. The price of petrol is moderate in comparison with neighbouring countries (15% lower than in Germany and Italy, 23% lower than in France, and 10% lower than in Austria).

The Swiss electric power market is highly fragmented. Approximately 900 electric utility companies supply the country with electricity, including seven related utilities and about 80 producers. The electric power market will be gradually opened up beginning in 2009. Initially, large-scale consumers (requiring more than 100,000 kWh per year) will be able to select the supplier of their choice. It is expected that all end customers will have this option by 2014. The effect on electricity pricing structures will increase with progressive liberalization. The liberalization of the natural gas market will take a little longer.