The Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources was approved by Parliament in autumn 2023. The bill lays the foundations for a rapid expansion of Switzerland's energy production from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, wind and biomass. This will lessen the country's dependence on energy imports and reduce the risk of critical supply situations. The bill includes funding instruments as well as new regulations for electricity production, transport, storage and consumption. It also introduces a mandatory hydropower reserve. On 9 June 2024, the Swiss electorate approved the proposal by 68.7%.
On 13 November 2024, the Federal Council specified the implementation of the new legal provisions in various ordinances. In order to give the electricity industry sufficient time to implement certain measures, the Federal Council will bring the legislative amendments and ordinances into force in stages. The first package will enter into force on 1 January 2025. The second package, containing the remaining changes, is expected to be adopted by the Federal Council in the first quarter of 2025 and will come into force on 1 January 2026.
