The Federal Council adopted the Ordinance on the Establishment of a Hydropower Reserve already in September 2022. The Winter Reserve Ordinance (WResO) came into force at the beginning of 2023. The Federal Council established the legal basis for an electricity reserve in response to the strained energy supply situation in 2022/23, initially by means of an ordinance. The WResO regulates the establishment of a hydropower reserve and the availability of a thermal reserve. On this basis, contracts were awarded for the existing reserve power plants at Birr, Monthey and Cornaux, as well as for emergency generators. In October 2025, the Federal Council extended the WResO until the end of 2030. This allows the contracts for the existing reserve power plants to continue until the provisions on thermal reserves under the Electricity Supply Act come into force. For documents, see 'Legislation'.
Last modification 15.04.2026
