How committed are swiss utilities to energy saving without being obligated to do so?

In Switzerland, where utilities are not subject to energy savings obligations, their performance in improving their clients' energy efficiency (EE) differs strongly. We established four groups of utilities and analyzed their incentives and constraints for promoting EE. Their perceptions varied in many aspects, including the profitability of EE programs and the role of leadership. However, the majority favors collaboration and does not see the lack of an adequate policy framework as a constraint. We hypothesize about the underlying reasons and conclude that collaborations among utilities can help with knowledge sharing, EE program design, and common measurement and verification methods.

Automated summary

In Switzerland, utilities' performance in improving energy efficiency for their clients varies greatly. We categorized them into four groups and analyzed their incentives and constraints for promoting energy efficiency. They had different perceptions, including profitability of energy efficiency programs and the role of leadership. However, most utilities favored collaboration and didn't see the lack of policy framework as a constraint. We hypothesized about the reasons and concluded that collaborations among utilities could facilitate knowledge sharing, program design, and measurement and verification methods.