The completely redesigned grid control centre – Swissgrid Control – is located in Laufenburg. It performs an important function in maintaining security of supply in Switzerland.

It is from here that Swissgrid experts control the Swiss transmission system. One fifth of all cross-border electricity in Central Europe is monitored by Swissgrid Control. Twenty-four hours a day. The origins of the grid control centre go back to 1958 when Switzerland, Germany and France first interconnected their high-voltage grids. In 1991 it moved into a new building. Swissgrid’s new responsibilities, however, meant that the control centre needed to be redesigned. So from autumn 2008 to the end of 2009 it was completely refurbished and fitted with new equipment before recommencing operations at the beginning of 2010 under the name Swissgrid Control.

The Swissgrid operators monitor the Swiss electricity grid round the clock from their eleven workstations, keeping it stable with their preventive congestion management. If faults arise, they intervene in collaboration with the electricity producers. They also ensure the Swiss electricity grid maintains an even balance with respect to Europe so that the European grid runs smoothly.

The infrastructure of Swissgrid Control

The design focused on ergonomics, ensuring optimal light and sound conditions. The servers of the ICT infrastructure are in separate rooms; there are only monitors and keyboards on the desks. Using a touch panel, the operator selects what he wants each display to show. A video conferencing system and secure phone lines provide the link to colleagues abroad and to the power plants.

The infrastructure is designed to cope with a major incident: there is an emergency power supply, and loudspeakers are installed in every room to inform the staff of any warnings and alarms. The control centre is earthquake-proof and has an emergency control centre in a separate building. Another is located in neighbouring Frick.

A new visitors' room with a soundproof glass panel gives guests an insight into Swissgrid Control. For security reasons, only authorised visitors are allowed into the control centre itself – sensitive data on the large screen display are then hidden from view.

The Swissgrid Control facilities