The government must decree the shortage of electricity, according to Roberto Schmidt
According to the head of the cantonal energy directors, Roberto Schmidt, the Confederation has so far not provided a clear crisis plan.
Roberto Schmidt reiterated the cantons’ request to be involved in the discussions via an “interdepartmental crisis unit” (archives).
KEYSTONE/ANTHONY ANEX
The Federal Council should decree an electricity shortage now, according to the head of the cantonal energy directors Roberto Schmidt. Only then could “relatively painless” economy measures be ordered, he said on Saturday.
The Valaisan is thinking, for example, of switching off the lighting in the shop windows as a preventive measure. Without a declaration of shortage, the cantons and the Confederation do not have the competence, he specified in an interview granted to the German-speaking titles of the Tamedia group.
According to him, the Confederation has so far not provided a clear crisis plan. “As chairman of the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors, I don’t know of any,” he said. Draft orders are available for gas, but not for electricity, “much more complex”.
Prevent looting
Roberto Schmidt wants to know what will be cut first and how vital infrastructure will be maintained. “Unlike the coronavirus, this is a predictable crisis. So we have to plan it – now,” he commented.
The Valais State Councilor is also worried about the problems that power cuts could cause. It is about how the population reacts when the Internet and mobile phones are down, how communication from the authorities works, and how burglaries and looting can be avoided, he gave as an example. “But we don’t hear anything about it at the federal level,” he pointed out.
Long debate in Valais
The energy crisis occupied Roberto Schmidt for a long time on Friday during the Valais Grand Council. About twenty proposals on energy were debated there for more than three hours. A dozen passed the ramp.
Among the texts refused, the urgent motion of the Greens wanting to limit the use of outdoor illuminated signs and indoor lighting in non-residential buildings this winter. The deputies thus followed the advice of the Council of State.
This favors “recommendations, optional measures and joint effort”, argued Roberto Schmidt as head of the finance and energy department. “As the Confederation has indicated, we are currently not in a crisis situation; however, we will adjust the measures to the evolution of the situation”, he further specified.
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