Executive Summary

On 1 April 2026, the Federal Council adopted a statement on parliamentary initiative UREK-N 25.482. The initiative aims to clarify the Electricity Supply Act (StromVG) to treat losses and gains from electricity procurement symmetrically as net costs. Currently, basic suppliers bear losses alone, while gains do not benefit customers. The National Council will deliberate on the planned adjustment in the special session 2026, with the Council of States expected to do so in the summer session 2026.

Persons

  • Patrick Hediger (Author; computerworld.ch)

Topics

  • Electricity Supply Act (StromVG)
  • Basic supply
  • Tariff calculation
  • Parliamentary initiative

Clarus Lead

The adjustment responds to a structural imbalance in existing law: while basic suppliers today are unilaterally burdened in balancing transactions, customers do not benefit from gains. The planned symmetrical cost distribution is intended to ensure basic suppliers economic stability and investment capacity – with direct impact on tariff stability for end consumers. This addresses a central concern of energy policy: long-term structured electricity procurement instead of volatile prices.

Detailed Summary

The parliamentary initiative of the National Council's Commission for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (UREK-N) builds on the Electricity Supply Act of 23 March 2007. This regulates which costs basic suppliers may pass on in tariff calculations – a regulation requiring clarification.

The core problem lies in asymmetrical cost distribution: basic suppliers must bear losses from balancing transactions themselves, but receive no profit shares. The planned adjustment would remedy this asymmetry by treating both positions as net costs. According to the Federal Council, this creates positive incentives for structured and long-term procurement strategies. The improved cost-effectiveness of basic suppliers has a downstream effect: more stable and predictable tariffs for end consumers in basic supply.

Key Findings

  • The Federal Council supports the planned adjustment to the Electricity Supply Act for symmetrical treatment of loss and gain components.
  • Current regulations burden basic suppliers unilaterally and prevent structured procurement.
  • Tariff stability for electricity customers is to be achieved through improved cost-effectiveness of basic suppliers.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What empirical data shows that asymmetrical cost distribution actually leads to tariff volatility? Were case studies from other countries or previous regulatory changes consulted?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do large basic suppliers benefit disproportionately from symmetrical treatment, while small suppliers may have different risk profiles?

  3. Causality: Is it proven that more stable basic supplier margins directly lead to customer tariff stability, or could other factors (world market prices, regulation) be more dominant?

  4. Feasibility: How is the transition period structured, and what impact does the regulatory change have on existing contracts and provisions?

  5. Side Effects: Could symmetrical profit shares incentivize basic suppliers to pursue speculative procurement strategies instead of long-term planning?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Federal Council Clarifies Calculation of Electricity Procurement Costs – Computerworld.ch, 07.04.2026

Verification Status: ✓ 07.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 07.04.2026