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SWISS authorities are evaluating the possibility of punishing citizens who set their home heating systems to temperatures above 19°C with imprisonment or heavy fines. The measure would respond to the energy crisis in Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has forced gas rationing in some countries dependent on Russian supplies.
Markus Sporndli, a spokesman for Switzerland’s Federal Department of Finance, told local media outlet Blick that the country will be forced to take drastic measures to ensure that its citizens save energy if it is forced to ration natural gas supplies.
According to Blick, in homes with gas heating, indoor temperatures should not exceed 19 degrees, water could not be heated above 60 degrees and radiators or hot air tents would be banned by Swiss authorities during the winter if there were to be problems with the gas supply.
Intentional violations of the rules could result in a prison sentence of up to three years, and unintentional violations could mean 180 days in jail.
“Violations of the country’s supply law are always misdemeanors, even punishable offenses, and must be prosecuted,” Sporndli explained.
Although the law does not offer any alternative to delay or avoid penalties, fines can be appealed through criminal orders from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Fines can range from 30 to 3,000 francs per day of violation (between $31 and $3,150).
Sporndli explained that the days/fine ratio will be determined based on the offense and the value to be paid for the infraction will depend on the financial situation of the offender.
While Switzerland is traditionally neutral in its diplomacy, the invasion of Ukraine caused it to align itself with NATO. At the beginning of the invasion, Swiss authorities froze about $6.1 billion to Russian oligarchs and politicians.
Tomás Lugo, journalist and writer. Born in Venezuela and graduated in Social Communication. Has written for international media outlets. Currently living in Colombia // Tomás Lugo, periodista y articulista. Nacido en Venezuela y graduado en Comunicación Social. Ha escrito para medios internacionales. Actualmente reside en Colombia.