Switzerland assumes the position of the EU in energy matters and plans to save 15 percent

MADRID, 24 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Government of Switzerland has followed the line set by the European Commission and has called for voluntary energy savings so that the country can reduce gas consumption by 15 percent for the winter months, given the forecast of possible cuts supply if the situation worsens in Europe.

The Government has recalled that Switzerland imports all the gas it consumes, which represents around 15 percent of the entire energy mix, so it sees it necessary to start acting now with voluntary measures that it does not rule out becoming mandatory.

It hopes that national consumption between October and March will be 15 percent lower than the average of the last five years and, to this end, anticipates that public institutions will try to save energy as much as possible, for example by lowering the temperature of buildings.

The authorities will also launch an awareness campaign to warn citizens of the need to take measures, remembering, for example, that lowering the heating by one degree reduces consumption by between 5 and 6 percent, according to a statement released this Wednesday by the Executive Swiss.

The Government does not rule out that if these measures fail, which it plans to discuss with regional authorities before approving them, it will be forced to close non-essential facilities, such as sports facilities.