The importance of the Gotthard route applies not only to road traffic, but also to electricity transmission. Swissgrid's extra-high voltage line Mettlen – Airolo runs via the Gotthard Pass and is vital for north-south electricity transport.

All electricians will tell you that the first thing they learned at the start of their training is to make sure the power was off before working. Since 1 October 2020, this is no longer entirely correct in Switzerland.

Future Grid Maintenance Managers at Swissgrid have to complete a very demanding training programme. After all, they are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the lines and substations in their assigned area.

A giant made of steel with 26 axles is crawling its way to Mühleberg: the entire load weighs 362 tons and is almost 75 metres long.

After the power failure in Valais, Swissgrid initiated some investigations. The incident was the result of a combination of technical and human factors. Swissgrid is learning from it and has taken appropriate action.

The old extra-high-voltage grid in Goms is being dismantled; a move that will significantly improve the natural scenery on the valley floor. An interview with Gerhard Kiechler, the Mayor of Goms (VS) about the power line and energy-rich Goms.

Electricity is an omnipresent part of our life that we often take for granted. Without it, our social and economic life would cease to function. As the backbone of the Swiss electricity supply, the transmission grid plays a critical role in ensuring the security of supply.

Renewable energies play an important role in establishing a climate-neutral supply of energy. However, integrating these power sources into the supply of electricity presents a number of challenges.

The renovation of the Mühleberg substation included replacing outdoor switching substations with an indoor switching substation. This made it possible to renaturalise an area the size of four football fields, which is to say, convert it back to a habitat for plants and animals.

Although the water supply is of national importance, it is usually the responsibility of the municipalities. Greater integration would allow better security of supply and quality assurance.

To ensure the security of supply in the canton of Grisons and the transportation of Engadine hydropower, Swissgrid is adding another «system» to the line.

The commissioning of a new extra-high-voltage line does not happen every day. And the commissioning of the new 380 kV line between Beznau and Mettlen on 19 May was even more exceptional.