Switzerland and the EU

Why an agreement is important

Switzerland is technically closely connected to the European interconnected grid – a legally regulated basis has been lacking to date.

Without an agreement, Swiss actors are increasingly being excluded from EU trading platforms and coordination measures. This affects import capacities, grid and system stability, and security of supply.

What is missing todayThe exclusion from EU trading platforms is leading to reduced and uncertain import capacities and to more unplanned electricity flows through Switzerland. This puts a strain on system stability, the efficient operation of domestic generation facilities and the economy. In addition, the absence of an agreement makes market access more difficult and entails the risk of exclusion from short-term and neighbouring capacity markets. We therefore clearly advocate regulated cooperation with the European Union and the full opening of the Swiss electricity market.

Market liberalisation

The opening in figures

The first stage of market opening has been under way since 2009; the second stage is a prerequisite for the electricity agreement.

Large consumers with annual consumption of over 100,000 kWh choose their electricity supplier on the open market.In the European Union, the complete liberalisation of the electricity market has already been implemented.41 cross-border lines connect the Swiss grid to the European interconnected grid.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the electricity agreement

Answers on security of supply, market opening, basic supply and the unbundling of network operations.

The answers summarise our position and the current status of the proposal.

Contact our Public Affairs team for questions about the electricity agreement and the market liberalisation.