Switzerland amends its Act on Energy as of 1 January 2014

On 1 January 2014, the Federal Council will implement an amendment to the Energy Act decided by the Federal Assembly in June 2013. This will result in an increase in fees used to finance the RPC ("rétribution à prix coûtant"). Since 2009, all electricity consumers pay a surcharge levied on each kWh, to support the production of electricity from renewable energy sources with the RPC. The maximum legal amount of this supplement was previously CHF1c/kWh (€0.81c/kWh); it will be raised to CHF 1.5c/kWh (€1.22c/kWh) as of January 2014.

Operators of smaller photovoltaic installations below 10 kW will now be encouraged by single payments instead of the RPC, payments amounting to more than 30% of the investment costs of the reference plants. Operators of new small photovoltaic plants with a capacity ranging from 10 kW to 30 kW can choose between the RPC and the single payment option. Power generators (fossil and renewables) will be allowed to consume part or all of their production.

Finally, large electricity consumers may seek reimbursement of the surcharge as long as they increase their energy efficiency in return. Companies whose electricity costs represent at least 10% of gross value added can obtain a full refund of the fee they have paid. When these costs represent between 5% and 10% of the gross value added, the supplement may be partially refunded (at least CHF 20,000 i.e. about €16,260). The company concerned shall conclude an agreement on objectives aimed at increasing energy efficiency, spend at least 20% of the amount repaid to additional energy efficiency measures beyond the scope of the Convention, and periodically report to the Federal Council.