As Europe continues to face a massive energy crunch, largely due to the restrictions levied against Russia that are ultimately hurting themselves, Switzerland is threatening to pass legislature to jail citizens who are heating rooms above 19°C (66°F), along with the prospect of outlawing portable electric heaters.
On August 31st, the Swiss.info reported that the government has urged the public to tighten their belts and make some sacrifices concerning energy usage, forecasting that the nation will be facing energy and gas shortages this winter season.
The states (Cantons), business associations, and other civil society groups and companies, reportedly support the government in their new national campaign they call “Energy is scarce, let’s not waste it.”
They are asking the Swiss people to reduce their electricity use by turning off lights and appliances in unused rooms, reduce energy use while cooking, reduce hot water use, and especially reduce room’s temperatures.
We must work together to ensure that we have enough energy in Switzerland. Every kilowatt hour counts.
Guy Parmelin, the Economics Minister, said
And with electricity prices slated to reportedly rise 49% next year, the Swiss cantons are already voluntarily taking preemptive measures to mitigate public and private energy use.
‘Most cantons have set up energy task forces and crisis management teams. Cities have also announced plans to turn down heating and save electricity in public buildings, including controls on Christmas lights. Other measures include turning down indoor swimming pool heating, switching off lighting at monuments and for advertising signs and restrictions on the usage of elevators,’ Swiss.info explained.
The outlet added, ‘It is hoped that voluntary measures can prevent blackouts and compulsory energy rationing. In the long run, Switzerland continues to explore options for increasing alternative energy sources, said Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.’ The nation reportedly is looking at increasing their supply of wind turbines to produce more energy.
We have to address the obvious: if the worst comes to the worst, the existence of companies and jobs would be at stake and social peace would be endangered.
Monika Rühl, chair of the Swiss Business Federation, said
Parmelin, as part of the new government campaign, also floated out the idea of keeping Swiss homes at 19°C.
But now it appears this proposition has morphed into a veiled threat: on September 6th, Swiss outlet Blick ran a headline that says “Heat sinners face jail.”
In an emergency, the following applies: heat less. And energy sinners have to tremble. Violations of the Gas Ordinance are punishable by imprisonment and fines.
The outlet wrote in its opening paragraph
Moreover, water can only be heated up to 60°C (144°F) – well below the boiling point of 212°F. Radiant heaters and air tents would also be prohibited, and saunas and indoor swimming pools will be forced to remain chilly.
The Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) says that these portable heaters may just be outright banned, spokeswoman Evelyne Kobelt said.
‘Portable electric heater sales are up 300% compared to last year, according to a spokesperson for Interdiscount and Microspot, two Swiss electrical retailers. Other retailers report similar growth rates’ Le News reported.
According to an official document via the Department of Economic Affairs (EAER), they explicitly warn that violators could face fines and jailtime. If it is found that a person(s) intentionally broke the law, that person could face a prison sentence of up to 3 years, or ‘a fine of up to 180 daily rates is conceivable,’ Blick reports. ‘The daily rate for fines is usually at least 30 francs and a maximum of 3,000 francs,’ or $31.25 to $3,124.50.
Violations of the state supply law are always misdemeanors or even crimes in some cases and are to be prosecuted by the cantons ex officio.
WBF spokesman Markus Spörndli explained
Spörndli added that “the number of daily rates is determined by fault,” and is effected by the current economic climate and personal circumstances of the perp.
In other words, someone who accidentally sets the thermostat incorrectly gets off less lightly than someone who deliberately heats their pool to 25 degrees. The punishment for a company that deliberately exceeds its gas quota is likely to be even more severe. Because the quota regulation is also subject to the penal provisions.
Blick wrote
But Parmelin, recognizing the radical move, made sure to cover his bases and tell citizens that they are “not a police state:”
We are not a police state. The police don’t pass everyone – but there can be spot checks.
The draft regulations are primarily based on the fact that the vast majority of the population abides by the law.
Spörndli added
Blick clarifies, however, ‘But controls are not excluded – for example, if you are ratted out by an angry neighbor or an overzealous neighborhood sheriff. A Gfrörli that heats up to 20 instead of 19 degrees must expect a penalty. Spörndli also confirms this – at least, “if the offense were reported and controlled and could subsequently also be proven.”‘
Police Chief director Fredy Fässler told Blick in a statement, that he has appealed to the government to “order only measures that can be implemented and, above all, controlled.” But he is still willing to comply with the orders if directed to do so, though does not necessarily want to either.
But there are still some open questions that need to be clarified. We want to implement the regulation with a sense of proportion.
If a corresponding report is received, then the police must act.
This raises the question of whether, instead of complex criminal proceedings, simple fines are the right way to go, as was the case in the Corona crisis. We’ll definitely have to discuss that.
The cantons have until the 22nd to voice their criticisms about the legislature.
Since the news of these proposed sweeping regulations have permeated the streets of Switzerland, firewood sales have reportedly skyrocketed, with producers running out – a trend that had already begun in the summer.
We still have a lot to deal with. We simply can’t keep up anymore.
Samuel Jenni, director of the Basel company Jenni Holz AG – one of the largest firewood suppliers in the nation.
The company is having a hard time getting new supply ready, and so now they are no longer are accepting new orders.
On the one hand, it says nothing about our actual profit. On the other hand, this agitation, even this hysteria, generates a lot of stress for us.
We are simply out of breath.
Jenni added
Swiss outlet 20 Minutes reports, ‘This wood boom still has a positive effect in the eyes of Samuel Jenni. He explains that the forests in the northwest of the country are considered to be aging. However, in recent years, the prices of wood were so low that the felling was not profitable enough and therefore the trees were left standing. “With rising prices, there is now an incentive to cut more trees and thereby rejuvenate the forest. It’s a great chance,” he concludes.’
Earlier this year, head of the Swiss Federal Commission for Electricity ElCom, Werner Luginbühl, had already called for citizens to stock-up on candles and firewood, he said in August. He also said he personally was adding to his supply flashlights and batteries.
In the worst case, we really should prepare for the coming winter for power outages in some areas, even if only for a few hours. So of course it’s wise to have enough candles in the house. And if someone has a wood-burning stove, he should stock up on enough firewood.
He said
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Proverbs 28:3, 29:2
Here come the green police! The government is so self-aware that they proposing a police state of the government and neighbors snitching on each other, they have to try and disavow that notion.
This is classic Problem. Reaction. Solution.
Beware of coming smart meters, social credit scores, and carbon calculators. Time will tell, but I suspect that a lot of these things will not really be pushed as hard yet, but probably next year or a little bit there after, as Europe probably freezes over and descends into chaos this winter.
22,000 People In Colorado Were Locked Out Of Their Smart Meters During ‘Energy Emergency’
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:4
I have been warning readers all year to preparing for the road ahead. And yet, there are gainsayers who are actively leeching from The WinePress, telling people to not listen to the warning signs; coupled with slothful losers looking for some kind of a “rapture bailout” to escape the pain. I believe whole-heartedly that the Lord will call up his church before the antichrist is revealed and the Lord’s wrath is poured out, but that does not discount your need to prepare for both short and long term affairs.
But, alas, most have not listened to my warnings, and others’ as well. Sometimes people have to learn the hard way. It’s not too late, but you need to be ready for some murky waters ahead.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Proverbs 26:3
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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Women in positions of authority -a recipe for disaster.
Amen Kenrick!
I say that ‘beach” over there is asking for it!
Please no profanity, not even suggested profanity.
19 degrees, a lot of people’s immune system won’t be able to take it I’m sure, especially after the shots.
That’s 66.2 degrees fahrenheit. They sure love their numbers. Twice 33, really? How loudly can you flash the cronies a sign, flattering the dupes & useful idiots who prove willing to compromise & to sell out truth & their brother? A bit chilly, but a sweater & gloves, good blankets can offset….and 1 Thessalonians 5. Those elites & creeps manipulating with their god of forces garbage & craft, their created crisis, then demanding their citizens freeze while playing the self-righteousness card & living in luxury themselves, will one day very soon find themselves in extreme heat….along with their Phoenix winged fiery dragon who turns out to be but a worm.
Are they still allowed to buy coal, or wood stoves? A wood or coal-rated stove is off-grid and can be used to heat a home. It’s a little more work but better than freezing to death.