"We must move beyond ideologies and rely on fact‑based solutions"

"A period of upheaval, such as the one we are currently going through, is accompanied by uncertainties." Nowadays, Switzerland would face two distinct options, according to the organizers of the next Swiss Electricity Congress: be content to fill the most visible gaps in the system — in other words, adapt energy policy to the bare minimum — or, on the contrary, be ambitious and proactive in order to build a robust energy system for the future.

At this stage, the more ambitious path seems like wishful thinking. One only has to look at the mixed results of 2025 to see this: a disappointing proposal for the implementation of the electricity agreement, anti-wind initiatives, financial difficulties encountered by several distribution system operators (DSOs), and public concerns after the massive blackout that started in southern Europe. All of these elements have deeply shaken the sector.

As industry experts will meet in Bern in mid-January, on January 15 and 16, to debate these issues and try to find solutions, we discuss them in advance with Michael Frank, director of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (AES). Interview.

Given the profound upheavals that marked your sector in 2025, can we speak of a black year, or even a lost year?

The past year was particularly demanding. The intensity and speed of regulatory changes reached an extremely high level; a change of course is now urgently needed. It is essential to return to a proven Swiss principle: focus on the fundamentals and the truly relevant criteria, rather than trying to regulate everything in minute detail.

At the same time, the AES has recorded significant progress aimed at accelerating the development of generation and grids. Cantonal permit procedures for wind, hydropower and solar installations of national interest will in future be simplified and centralized. For the sixteen hydropower projects resulting from the Round Table, no appeal to the Federal Tribunal will be possible, which will also help shorten the timelines.

Regarding the "Express Grid", the National Council has already laid the first milestones moving in the right direction. The distribution network should also be recognized as being of national interest. Storage facilities, as well as transformer stations, may, in exceptional cases, be built outside building zones.
  
Energy issues have lost popularity this year… Did you feel this public disinterest? 

Quite the opposite. Energy issues remain present in the media, whether it is supply security, grid development or renewable energies. Even in Parliament, energy policy remains a hot topic: debates are lively and the call for solutions to succeed in the energy transition is becoming ever more pressing. This urgency is explained in particular by the delay accumulated in the development of generation and grids, as well as in the implementation of the electricity law.
 
Following the massive blackout in southern Europe, what consequences and lessons should Switzerland draw from it?

The importance of the grid is central: international connection and the stability of the electrical system are decisive. The incident in Portugal and Spain illustrates the critical role of a reliable grid. Switzerland must strengthen its cooperation with neighboring countries and adapt its infrastructure to future needs.

An electricity agreement will guarantee this long-term cooperation. It therefore has essential economic importance, both for supply security and for the stability of electricity prices and Switzerland's international competitiveness in an unstable context.

A decrease in public attention, even if moderate, can weaken political momentum and slow decisions as well as the investments necessary for the development of renewable energies.

In your view, what could be the consequences of this decline in the Swiss public's interest in the ongoing energy transition?

Compared with the previous year, the situation remains broadly stable: according to the UBS Barometer 2025, 31% of Swiss people cite climate and environmental protection among their main concerns, compared with 32% in 2024 (but 40% in 2021, editor's note). This survey focuses primarily on climate issues, and not directly on energy or electricity, although these topics are closely linked.

However, a decrease in public attention, even a moderate one, carries risks. It can weaken political momentum and slow decisions as well as the investments necessary for the development of renewable energies, storage capacities and the grid. It is therefore crucial to keep the energy transition at the heart of public debate and, above all, to accelerate the concrete implementation of projects. This is an essential condition to sustainably guarantee supply security and preserve Switzerland's competitiveness.

According to a growing number of experts, Switzerland would no longer be able to meet its agenda — notably regarding the intermediate target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030. What would need to be done to, at minimum, stay on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050?

We must absolutely accelerate the development of renewable energies and storage capacities, improve energy efficiency, invest significantly in the distribution grid and use digitalization as a lever. What is decisive is that politics, the economy and society unite their efforts: it is a matter of supply security and the future of Switzerland as an economic location.
 
There is a certain disillusionment with the political world in the statements of your members — notably in response to debates considered, for example, disconnected from reality on the "Netzexpress" in Parliament. Do you share this observation?

No. Political work is at the heart of our mission and is a genuine passion. Energy is, and will remain, the most important infrastructure of our country. We must move beyond ideologies and focus on fact-based solutions, while collectively ensuring the strengthening of Switzerland's economic position and guaranteeing our supply security.
  
Several votes are scheduled in 2026, notably on nuclear power ("Stop the blackout") and wind energy. What is the AES's position on these two energy sources, and how does it intend to defend them next year?

The AES rejects the "Stop the blackout" initiative, but supports the counter-proposal. We must keep all options open, because Switzerland's supply security is our top priority.

Wind energy is an indispensable element of the overall energy system, as it makes it possible to produce electricity when the sun is lacking, notably at night or in winter. If we fail to massively increase renewable production during the winter period, we will either have to resort to gas-fired power plants or consider nuclear plants.

The decisive point will be to have a balanced energy mix capable of ensuring a realistic energy transition. Relying ever more on imports is not an option.
 
The other major task in 2026 will be to revisit the implementation of the electricity agreement. Do you hope to be heard in Bern?

We are seeing positive signals from Bern. The Federal Council clearly reaffirms its commitment to hydropower as well as respect for cantonal competencies. Some proposals concerning national implementation are going in the right direction, notably the simplification of basic supply and the removal of the minimum remuneration after a transitional period. What remains essential is a light implementation, market-oriented and without a "Swiss finish".

We call for less Swiss overregulation and more attention paid to supply security.

The problem with this agreement is that the stakes are not the same for all your members — notably between producers and distribution system operators (DSOs). How do you navigate such a context? And will you really be able to satisfy all your members?

It is essential to keep an overall view: we are all an integral part of the Swiss economy and society. Our common objective is to ensure the security of electricity supply and to preserve the country's economic prosperity. These two ambitions can only be achieved if generation, transmission, distribution and trading are coordinated harmoniously. Everyone must therefore assume their responsibilities in their role in order to guarantee the stability of the system. It is not a confrontation, but a cooperation.
 
To conclude, what are your expectations for the coming year? Will it be as turbulent as 2025 or more peaceful?

The intensity of regulation must be curbed. We call for less Swiss overregulation and more attention paid to supply security. Many projects are in preparation: it is essential that everyone pull in the same direction. Supply security remains the unifying element.

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