Electricity prices: return to basic supply for companies?

Electricity prices in Switzerland are among the highest in Europe. For companies in particular, the high costs are a burden. That is why Guy Parmelin, the federal councillor responsible for the matter, has decided to consider a return to basic supply in order to reduce prices.

Basic supply would mean that companies would return to the regulated tariff system set by electricity suppliers. This would regulate and stabilize prices, which could be particularly beneficial for smaller companies.

This measure is controversial, however, as many fear it could lead to a decline in investment in renewable energy and a decline in the competitiveness of electricity suppliers. The Federal Council is therefore anxious to carefully weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages before making a final decision.

It remains to be seen what impact the possible return to the basic supply will have on electricity prices and the energy transition in Switzerland.

Basic supply and electricity prices

Basic supply is a minimum supply of electricity, gas and water guaranteed by the state. Every consumer is entitled to this basic supply at regulated prices. The aim of this regulation is to ensure that people with low incomes or those who cannot find another supplier also have access to electricity and other basic services.

In Switzerland, Economy Minister Guy Parmelin has advocated looking into a return to basic supply for companies. The background to this is the rising electricity prices in Switzerland, which are a particular burden on industry. Parmelin is now examining whether it is possible for companies to regain access to the basic supply and thus benefit from lower electricity prices.

However, there are also critics of this idea. They fear that the return to universal service could affect the competitiveness of Swiss companies in the long term. In addition, it is unclear whether it is even possible to include companies in the universal service again. It therefore remains to be seen whether Parmelin will actually implement the return to the basic supply and what impact this will have on electricity prices and the economy.

• Advantages of universal service: guaranteed minimum supply, regulated prices, accessible to all consumers
• Disadvantages of basic provision: long-term damage to competitiveness, unclear feasibility for companies

Why is the return to basic supply being discussed?

Current electricity prices have risen sharply in recent years. This is increasingly becoming a financial burden, especially for companies with high energy consumption. For this reason, the possibility of a return to basic supply is currently being discussed in order to reduce costs for companies.

Basic supply tariffs are electricity tariffs set by law in Switzerland that must be offered by electricity suppliers. These tariffs are generally cheaper than the regular electricity tariffs offered by electricity suppliers. A return to basic supply could therefore be a more cost-effective alternative for companies.

However, there are also critics who fear that a return to basic supply could lead to a loss of quality in electricity supply. In addition, electricity suppliers could lose customers as a result of switching to basic supply, which in turn could lead to economic losses.

• Overall, it appears that the return to the universal service can be a way to reduce costs for companies.
• Nevertheless, possible negative effects on the power supply and the economy must also be taken into account.
• It remains to be seen whether the discussion about a return to universal service will evolve and whether this will ultimately prove to be a viable solution for companies.

The impact of a possible return to the basic supply on electricity prices

As part of the discussion on electricity prices, Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin is considering the return of companies to basic supply. How would electricity prices change in the event of such a move?

First of all, it should be noted that electricity prices in the basic supply are actually often higher than when a contract is concluded with an alternative electricity supplier. This is because basic supply is seen as a form of emergency service, and companies typically have to offer more expensive tariffs to recover costs.

However, there are also arguments that the return to basic supply could lower electricity prices overall. One possible explanation is that smaller, regionally active companies can often offer lower rates than large utilities. A return to basic supply could thus create more competition in the market and thus lead to lower prices.

However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that a return to basic supply will result in lower electricity prices. Ultimately, this depends on several factors, including the structure of the electricity market and suppliers’ tariff policies.

How electricity prices would change for businesses if they were returned to basic supply?

Many companies are looking for ways to save on energy costs. One option under discussion is a return to basic service for businesses. This would mean that companies would purchase their energy directly from the energy supplier and would no longer have to rely on contracts with other suppliers.

But what impact would this have on electricity prices? Experts disagree. Some believe that a return to basic service could result in lower electricity prices because utilities would not have the additional costs of managing contracts with multiple suppliers. However, other experts believe that baseline electricity prices may be more likely to be higher because utilities have higher costs to maintain baseline services.

Regardless of the impact on electricity prices, a return to basic service could have other consequences for businesses as well. Companies could have more flexibility in choosing their energy sources, but they could also have less control over how their energy is produced. In addition, businesses could potentially have to pay for other users’ basic supply costs as well.

• Overall, the question of whether companies should return to basic supply is complex and not easy to answer.
• It depends on a variety of factors, including current electricity prices, the availability of energy sources, and the individual needs of each company.
• It remains to be seen whether the Swiss government will support a return to basic supply for businesses.