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Impending energy crisisReservoir near Mels does not supply electricity due to legal dispute
The fourth-largest power plant in the canton of St. Gallen has been idle for over a year because of a dispute over a defective pressure line.
The power plant at the Chapfensee reservoir near Mels has been idle since it was renovated.
Screenshot SRF «Switzerland update»
That’s what it’s about
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The Mels power station near the Chapfensee reservoir has been idle for over a year.
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The reason is a dispute about a defective pressure line.
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The case is now before the Commercial Court.
The structure at the Chapfensee reservoir near Mels was renovated. It was then determined that water was leaking from a pressure line. The companies involved in the redevelopment are now arguing about who will have to pay for the damage. According to the SRF broadcast «Switzerland up-to-date» this dispute has been going on for over a year. “We tried to find a solution with the companies involved, unfortunately without result,” said Markus Zai, manager of the Mels electricity plant. The case is now with the Commercial Court.
However, the power plant now lacks the electricity for 5,500 households or around 20,000 people. This must be bought expensively. If the line was repaired by the electric company, the warranty would be void, Zai said.
Angry conservationists
Conservationists cannot understand this. «In the looming energy crisis, people want to build solar and wind power plants in nationally important landscapes. Here you have an infrastructure and you don’t use it,” said Pro Natura manager Corina Del Fabro on the show.
Pro Natura is now asking the federal government or the canton to bear the costs of the repair and then decide who will pay. However, this is rejected by the canton of St. Gallen, although the Mels power plant has lost several million francs because it has to buy electricity at high prices, reports SRF. It is unclear when the court will decide.
(chk)