Today, the Federal Council adopted a draft negotiating mandate with the European Union (EU). Swissgrid welcomes this important step towards reaching an electricity agreement with the EU. An agreement in the electricity sector is essential for the secure and stable operation of the transmission system.

Eight Swiss electricity companies are planning a joint market where transmission and distribution system operators can procure ancillary services from flexible, decentralised energy resources. They have launched a project for this purpose.

Since 21 November 2023, electricity has been flowing at 380 kilovolts (kV) on the line between Bassecourt (JU) and Mühleberg (BE). As a result of the higher voltage, more electrical energy can be transported on this important north-south connection. This is particularly essential in winter, when Switzerland is dependent on electricity imports from neighbouring countries.

In the first half of 2023, Swissgrid continued to invest in the maintenance and modernisation of the grid infrastructure and implemented the Confederation’s measures to ensure Switzerland’s security of supply.

In accordance with the ordinance on the establishment of a winter hydropower reserve (WResV), Swissgrid today procured the third tranche of the hydropower reserve for the coming winter as part of a tendering procedure. The Federal Electricity Commission ElCom has examined the tenders and approved the awarding of contracts.

Swissgrid is presenting its sustainability commitment for the 2022 financial year in the form of a report for the first time.

In accordance with the ordinance on the establishment of a winter hydropower reserve (WResV), Swissgrid today procured the second tranche of the hydropower reserve for the coming winter as part of a tendering procedure.

Swissgrid is planning and implementing several projects of great strategic importance for the Swiss transmission grid in the canton of the Grisons. They include upgrading the Bonaduz substation. The installation of a transformer will increase the operational flexibility of the substation and consequently improve security of supply in the canton of the Grisons and in Switzerland as a whole. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the construction work, which is expected to last until the end of 2025.

On 5 June 2023, Swissgrid Ltd again successfully placed a bond on the capital market. The volume amounts to CHF 200 million.

In accordance with the ordinance on the establishment of a winter reserve reserve (WResV), Swissgrid today procured the first tranche of the hydropower reserve for the coming winter as part of a tendering procedure.