Switzerland considers JAILING those who heat rooms above 19C

Posted on : September 7, 2022

Switzerland considers JAILING anyone who heats rooms above 19C for up to three years if the country is forced to ration gas due to Ukraine war

  • The country could also give fines of up to 3,000 Swiss Francs (£2,667)
  • In gas-heated buildings, water could not be heated to more than 60C (140F)
  • Radiant heaters would be banned and saunas and swimming pools would have to be cold
  • Likely that the proposed measures will be subject to challenges and disputes  

Switzerland is considering jailing anyone who heats their rooms above 19C for up to three years if the country is forced to ration gas due to the Ukraine war.  

The country could also give fines to those who violate the proposed new regulations.

Speaking to Blick, Markus Sporndli, who is a spokesman for the Federal Department of Finance, explained that the rate for fines on a daily basis could start at 30 Swiss Francs (£26).

He added that the maximum fine could be up to 3,000 Swiss Francs (£2,667). 

And companies who deliberately go over their gas quotas could face punishment.

Additionally, according to the potential measures, temperatures in gas-heated buildings can be no more than 19C (66.2F), with water heated up to 60C (140F).

Blick also reported that radiant heaters would not be allowed and saunas and swimming pools would have to stay cold.   

Additionally, according to the potential measures, temperatures in gas-heated buildings can be no more than 19C (66.2F), with water heated up to 60C (140F) (stock image)

The measures are stated in the Federal Law on National Economic Supply, referred to by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) in an official document. 

It has been predicted that the proposed new measures could cause challenges and disputes, leaving courts busy and the government dealing with a new ‘grey area’, according to the report.  

Regarding the potential new measures, the cantons of Switzerland have until September 22 to submit any concerns.   

Advising the government, the report states that senior police officer Fredy Fassler has told them to ‘only order measures that can be implemented, and above all, controlled.’  

And he has said that the proposed new measures should be implemented with a ‘sense of proportion’, emphasising that he does not think police should go from door to door. 

Mr Fassler used the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, stating according to the report that there had been a ‘culture of denunciation.’

His sentiment was echoed by SVP Economics Minister Guy Parmelin who last Wednesday said: ‘We are not a police state’, when referring to the measures, saying that he thinks the police can do spot checks to ensure people are sticking to them.

Mr Fassler recommended that it might be more favourable to discuss giving administrative fines to people instead of shelling out for expensive criminal proceedings. 

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