Evaluation of the local Security of Supply in a Swiss Canton

Analysis of the security of electricity supply in a Swiss canton and suggestions for improvements in order to prepare the local grids for future challenges.

A local trade association is worried about the local security of supply and asked the Institute of Electric Power Systems at FHNW to provide a study on this topic. In cooperation with four local grid operators and energy suppliers, the situation was analyzed based on in-depth questionnaires and interviews with experts. Various documents and statistical data were studied as well. The evaluation included average interruption duration and frequency indices (SAIDI, SAIFI), power quality aspects, operational procedures, and coordination between the local grid operators on grid levels 5 to 7 (medium and low voltage).

• Analysis of the current situation in the grid
• Analysis of the utility industry structure in the canton
• Evaluation of the security of supply based on scientific measures
• Comparison with other regions in Switzerland
• Suggestions for improvements against the background of future challenges

The results of the study show a high security of supply in the respective canton and comparably low prices for end-customers. The study report suggests three specific improvement actions in order to prepare better for future challenges.