Energy policy is economic policy
Energy policy is a delicate balancing act between climate protection, profitability and energy security.
In this complex context, Alpiq's position is clear. We act in line with the Federal Council's energy strategy and make a substantial contribution in all four of the action fields defined by the Swiss government: energy efficiency, the promotion of renewable energies, the planning and construction of large-scale power stations, and energy foreign policy.
Like many internationally-oriented companies, Alpiq has great hopes for Switzerland's stronger economic involvement abroad. Even now, Swiss electricity experts are doing important work on European commissions. In the interests of energy security, Switzerland must exercise and expand its options for co-determination in Europe.
One important step has already been taken: the new Electricity Supply Act has been in force since 1 January 2009. Switzerland is no longer an island in the liberalised electricity market of Europe. Companies with annual electricity consumption in excess of 100 Megawatt hours are now free to choose their energy partner. In this context Alpiq offers professional advice and bespoke products and services.
The Electricity Supply Act provides the legal framework for an economically and ecologically viable exchange of electricity with other countries. Moreover, the Swiss grid company and regulatory authority have been institutionalised. Nevertheless the act does not fully come up to Alpiq's expectations. Market liberalisation in two phases based on a random consumption threshold of 100 Megawatt hours, coupled with the option of a referendum after five years of full liberalisation, are creating legal uncertainty and impeding any optimal progress towards the new market structures. When the national grid company was set up, the EU's requirements were exceeded. In our view, the defined objective transparent, non-discriminatory access could be achieved with fewer regulatory measures. Alpiq supports the promotion of renewable energies but would have preferred to see competitive, market-driven instruments that take greater account of efficiency. Nevertheless, Alpiq views the new regulatory framework as an acceptable compromise.
