Since Swissgrid is able to use the income from auctions to cover the allowable costs of the transmission system, it will be possible to avoid any tariff-increasing effect.

The planning approval decision of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) on 19 July 2016 for the grid construction project Beznau – Birr has come into force, as no complaints have been received opposing it.

SFOE approves partial cabling in Bözberg/Riniken region

Following approval by the Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (Eidgenössische Starkstrominspektorat, ESTI) of the plans for the upgrade of the line Pradella-La Punt, the Federal Administrative Court has confirmed that no objections to the order have been have received.

Luca Baroni, Head of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer of Swissgrid, will be leaving the company at the end of 2016 to become the new Head of Finances at BLS AG.

He is therefore the successor to Yves Zumwald, who was named CEO in March 2016.

On 12 May 2016, following a request from Swissgrid, the Swiss Federal Administrative Court (FAC) lifted the suspensive effect applying to construction of the connection of the Chandoline substation to the 220 kV overhead line between Chamoson and Chippis.

The Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) has granted the construction plans for last section of the 380 kV Châtelard – La Bâtiaz overhead line, from pylon 127 to the La Bâtiaz station, and the replacement of the substation of La Bâtiaz.

The line will be upgraded to 2 x 380 kV by means of an additional line covering a length of 49 kilometres, which will eliminate grid congestion.

Andreas Rickenbacher now holds the office of the canton’s representative on the Board of Directors.