Is it time to move into your new Swiss home? Discover how to connect electricity, gas, and water in Switzerland with our comprehensive guide to utilities.
Utilities in Switzerland
Regarding Switzerland's utility market, it can be difficult for newcomers to understand the system's structure. This is because a few companies have monopolized the Swiss market for years. However, things are starting to change, and the Swiss government has plans to fully liberalize the energy market for households in the near future.
One important thing to know about utilities in Switzerland is that many of them are owned by foreign companies. Some of these big players in the industry include ABB and Alstom Power Generation Systems.
And although this might seem like a disadvantage at first, it could lead to more innovation and competition in the long run.
Another thing you should know about getting utilities in Switzerland: residents must sign up with their local suppliers by law.
Your provider will vary depending on your geographic location within Switzerland. For example, if you live in Geneva, you'll need to contact Geneva's municipal office for information on who provides water and electricity services in your area.
Switzerland uses a centralized power grid, which means residents cannot choose who provides electricity in their homes (unless they want to go off-grid). Although this may not be ideal for everyone, it does have its advantages. For one, it ensures everyone can access electricity no matter where they live. And secondly, it helps keep the cost of utilities relatively low.
One thing Switzerland is known for is its clean, fresh water. You can find public fountains and spas with drinking water throughout the country. So if you ever need a drink (or a refreshing bath), Switzerland is the place to be!
Electricity, voltage, and devices in Switzerland
Depending on the size of the apartment and consumption, electricity in Switzerland is relatively cheap. It's billed directly to apartment owners, usually quarterly.
The voltage in Switzerland is 230 volts/50 hertz (single-phase) for small appliances and electrical devices up to 2,200 watts. Larger electrical appliances such as stoves, washing machines, and dryers require a three-phase power supply (3 x 400 volts). For appliances that require 110 volts, a transformer is needed.
If you plan to transport your appliances to Switzerland, there are a few things to consider, such as required adapters, electrical requirements, voltage requirements, etc. Buying new electrical appliances may be cheaper and more practical once you arrive.
The required amperage and frequency are indicated on the back of an electrical appliance.
In Switzerland, it's 50 Hz. Electrical appliances from the USA are usually 60 Hz. US appliances marked 50/60 may or may not work in Switzerland. To use foreign devices, you'll need to use an adapter or change your plug. Make sure laptop transformers are suitable for European voltages.
Since electrical transformers and adapters are relatively expensive in Switzerland, buying them before your arrival is advisable.
Many electronic devices, such as televisions and DVD players, have regional restrictions and don't always work in other countries. Therefore, check your device's compatibility before packing it and sending it to Switzerland.
Tenants need permission to install appliances or white goods such as a washing machine or clothes dryer in the apartment. In most cases, the lease will contain a clause stating that the tenant must pay for any water damage. A professional handyperson must connect the appliance; otherwise, the insurance won't cover any damage if it occurs.
Connection to telephone, television, and Internet in Switzerland
There are several telecommunications service providers in Switzerland, including Swisscom, Sunrise, Cablecom, and Salt. Set-up times vary by provider but often take several weeks. Therefore, applying for telecommunications services as soon as possible is advisable before moving into your new home.
Swisscom offers special deals and services to international customers moving to Switzerland. With Swisscom, it's possible to have all your telecommunication needs, including the Internet, telephone, and television, ready from day one in your new home.
Getting connected in a new home
When moving into a new home, it is essential to make sure that you are connected to all the necessary utilities. This usually includes power, water, and gas. If you are not already connected to these services at your new home, you must contact the local providers ahead of time.
Depending on the company, getting set up with a utility provider can take a few weeks. They will need information from you, such as your name and address. You will also need to contact the providers of your Internet, TV, and phone service so they can set up a connection in your name.
If you rent in Switzerland, then the cost of utilities is included as part of your monthly rent payment. However, if you live in a serviced apartment or an Airbnb rental, you must sign up with the local provider if utilities are not included in rent payments.
Setting up electricity and gas in Switzerland.
Energy suppliers in Switzerland
When setting up your electricity and gas in Switzerland, you must select a supplier. The current system is popular with locals and has helped consumers avoid cost increases in other markets.
Switzerland's energy market does not allow for the liberalization of suppliers, so you will need to concentrate on one supplier to set up your account.
Switzerland has many different energy providers, each serving a specific area. Customers can choose their energy package rather than being stuck with the provider chosen for them by their municipality. Different tariffs can be selected when purchasing energy, depending on your needs and location. The average cost of gas is $0.24/kW, with electricity ranging from $0.005 to 0.035/kW per hour depending on the tariff selected based on your needs and location.
Green energy in Switzerland
Switzerland has a growing renewable electricity sector. The government is committed to increasing the use of renewables to cover at least 60% of its energy needs by 2050.
There are many energy suppliers in Switzerland, and it is possible to have a "green" tariff. Most providers offer tariffs for energy from renewable sources, with hydroelectricity being the country's primary power source.
You can find out about your new Swiss home tariffs by contacting an energy provider nearby. The existing system has been popularized among Swiss locals for its cost-saving benefits.
Connection to telephone, television, and Internet in Switzerland
There are several telecommunications service providers in Switzerland, including Swisscom, Sunrise, Cablecom, and Salt. Set-up times vary by provider but often take several weeks. Therefore, applying for telecommunications services as soon as possible is advisable before moving into your new home.
Swisscom offers special deals and services to international customers moving to Switzerland. With Swisscom, it's possible to have all your telecommunication needs, including the Internet, telephone, and television, ready from day one in your new home.
Connecting your energy supply
If you're moving to Switzerland or just getting a new apartment, you'll need to set up your energy supply. The process is pretty straightforward, and you can do it online.
You will need to provide information like your address, bank account, passport or ID card, and smart meter IDs to set up a brand new connection. You can also connect with an energy supplier during the process.
To avoid disappointment, arranging the electricity and gas installation as early as possible is best. Switzerland is phasing out nuclear power, meaning alternative energy sources must be used. There are four potential pathways for future energy: (1) solar panels, (2) hydrogen fuel cells, (3) batteries, and 4) biogas generators.
The Federal Council adopted Switzerland's long-term climate strategy 2050.
The act focuses on the energy sector, with four potential pathways for accomplishing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining high energy security. The act comprises ten strategic principles to guide future climate policy in Switzerland.
Switzerland is considering ways to meet its power needs by focusing on the role of the electric grid. It could increase efficiency with renewable sources like solar and wind or build more nuclear plants. Switzerland may build some new coal-fired plants, which would be cheaper than renewables but produce much fewer emissions than nuclear plants.
Paying your energy bills
When you move to Switzerland, there are a few key things that you need to take care of, such as getting a residence permit and opening a Swiss bank account. Another essential task is setting up your utilities and paying your energy bills.
First, it is worth noting that payment typically comes through direct debit, which can be arranged with your bank. Your energy company will provide you with all the necessary information, including account numbers and dates when the payments should be made.
Changing your energy supplier in Switzerland
It's impossible to change energy providers after you've already been connected. If you're moving, your best bet is to contact your old provider and provide details of when you moved out. That way, they can forward your meter readings to your new provider.
Familiarize yourself with how utilities work in Switzerland before signing up for a plan with a provider. The Swiss electricity market is more fragmented than many other European countries, so it's essential to understand what each company offers before making a decision.
The basic way to obtain service in Switzerland is by signing up with your local utility provider. However, the Swiss government has plans to fully liberalize the energy market for households in the near future, which will give consumers more choices in their providers.
Water supply is provided locally by regional providers, so you won't be able to choose your supplier - unless you live in one of the few municipalities with their own water company.
The cost of electricity and gas in Switzerland tends to be higher than in other European countries - but there are many options for people living here when it comes to choosing an energy supplier. You can find out about renewable energy sources from various providers, so it's worth exploring your options before deciding.
Swiss Radio and television fees
The Swiss government has mandated that Billag collect license fees from all households with a device capable of receiving radio or TV by January 1, 2019. This includes computers and smartphones! If you're staying in Switzerland for more than 3 months, you must register with Billag within 14 days of arrival.
As of January 1, 2019, all households must pay a monthly radio and television fee of CHF 365. This is device-independent and must be paid for by every household. Serafe AG will collect the payment. Serafe automatically sends each household an invoice using data from the cantonal and municipal population registers.
Households caught without a license face a hefty fine.
This license fee is paid separately from the standard TV grid connection fees.
Swiss voltage and power plugs
If you're traveling to Switzerland, it's essential to know the country's voltage and power plugs. Swiss sockets use two-pin plugs, and sockets like the rest of Europe does, but the Swiss voltage and power plugs are not compatible with foreign appliances. A power adapter is needed to use the Swiss voltage and power plugs.
The standard plug size is CEE7/16-13, also used in other European countries. The Swiss voltage and power plugs have a 230 V network, the same as most of Europe.
Power cuts in Switzerland
Power outages can happen in Switzerland for various reasons, such as tripping or blowing a fuse. If this happens, make sure you have some candles to light and that everyone else on your block has power before troubleshooting it in your home. You can also contact the utility company if your entire neighborhood is dark.
Switzerland is a highly industrialized country dependent on imported electricity, which is susceptible to geopolitical factors. For this reason, Switzerland invests in its grid infrastructure and upgrades the grid and cross-border interconnections to increase efficiency and strengthen safety. The construction of high-voltage power lines will likely incur lengthy legal procedures.
In short, while power cuts are less common in Switzerland than in other countries, they can still happen from time to time. It's important to be prepared by having candles handy and knowing how to troubleshoot an outage if it does occur.
Cell phones in Switzerland
There are a number of contracts and prepaid mobile phone services available in Switzerland. To apply for a cell phone contract, documents such as passport, work permit, proof of residence, bank account, and credit card details may be required. Packimpex, customers benefit from special conditions with Swisscom. Contact us directly for more information.
Stores, supermarkets, and kiosks sell prepaid cell phone cards and cheap international phone cards.
If you're looking for a mobile phone/data tariff, Packimpex recommends Swisscom. Swisscom offers excellent network coverage throughout Switzerland, even in rural areas not always covered by other operators. Swisscom offers flexible rates for roaming, international rates, and data plans.
Packimpex, customers benefit from special conditions with Swisscom.
Water supply in Switzerland
Paying your water bill
If you're renting, then your water usage is included in the rent. However, if you want to lease a property, knowing the water-related costs is essential to avoid shock when the first bill arrives. In some cases, water rates vary enormously by area. For example, in Lausanne and Geneva, people pay more than twice as much for their water as those living in rural areas.
If you're already living in an area where water charges are high, save money by using less water - for instance, by taking shorter showers or not running the dishwasher until it's full. The article suggests how people can save as much water as possible and reduce their monthly expenses.
Swiss tap water
Switzerland is known for its high-quality tap water, which is regularly tested for contaminants and chemicals. The water hardness varies throughout the country, with soft water in the south and more challenging water in central Switzerland. However, tap water is safe to drink regardless of where you are in Switzerland.
In addition to being clean and safe, Swiss tap water doesn't contain harmful chemicals or contaminants. Some filters can be purchased relatively quickly if you're looking for a way to soften tap water's hardness. So whether you're living in the south or north of Switzerland, your tap water will always be up to par!
Utilities are essential to everyday life and require preparation before moving to Switzerland.
This article outlines the steps necessary to connect gas, electricity, and water--the three most common utilities used in Switzerland. Follow these steps closely, and you'll have everything set up in no time!
Order Swisscom or learn more about TV, telecom and internet services in Switzerland
hereYou might also like: