Security of supply remains top priority

There is broad support for energy policy, and the Electricity Act is also clearly seen as a sensible step for Switzerland’s energy future. Renewable energies are considered key to the energy transition and to independence from fossil fuels and foreign suppliers. However, support is increasingly linked to concrete progress: the population feels that change is too slow and is particularly impatient where political objectives are not backed up by visible results. At the same time, there is a high level of willingness to implement simple energy-saving measures in everyday life, such as using efficient appliances or conscious consumption behaviour. The results indicate that there is a growing political expectation for reliability, planning security and effective instruments to strengthen confidence in the energy policy course.

Within the conflicting energy policy objectives, security of supply remains the top priority. The majority of the population considers it more important than price stability or climate-neutral production. At the same time, many are uncertain whether this security can be guaranteed in the long term, and economic aspects are gaining in importance: the financial viability of the energy transition is viewed more critically than in previous surveys.

In the context of the conflicting goals of supply, climate protection and costs, differences emerge depending on political affiliation, level of education, age and gender. While conservative parties place particular emphasis on security of supply, climate neutrality is more often prioritised on the left-green spectrum. Political measures must now increasingly demonstrate that they can take different objectives into account at the same time.

The acceptance of energy policy measures depends heavily on the technology involved, their proximity to where they are implemented and the political context. Solutions such as expanding solar installations on roofs, hydropower and improving efficiency are particularly likely to achieve consensus. They enjoy cross-party support. Wind power also enjoys broad support among large sections of the population, as do geothermal energy and biomass. New-generation nuclear power plants are increasingly seen as a possible supplement, while conventional nuclear power plants and gas-fired power plants are viewed critically by the majority.

The political debate surrounding the blackout initiative reveals a polarisation: the demand for security of supply at any price is particularly appealing to the conservative camp, while the left-wing and green spectrum points to risks and obstacles to investment. In contrast, the European electricity agreement enjoys broad support across party lines. However, the associated market liberalisation is viewed with caution. The need for stability and reliability remains central even in a liberalised electricity market.