Eastern Switzerland Schaffhausen Cantonal Council leaves some suspense in the Energy Act

The Schaffhausen Cantonal Council debated the new energy law once again on Monday and then finally completed its deliberations: The conservative majority struck out many tightening measures - but a photovoltaic obligation for roof renovations was narrowly left out of the law.

Article 26 on "Solar power for extensive roof renovations" was not overturned in a long debate by 31 votes to 27. This means that solar potential should also have to be used for corresponding construction work, provided this is technically possible and economically viable.

Arnold Isliker (SVP) criticized the fact that this would cause problems. Older homeowners, for example, could not always afford the additional costs. Christian Heydecker (FDP) agreed that while solar systems can be planned well for new buildings, the situation is different for existing buildings. "And if solar systems pay off, then they will be built." There is no need for state coercion.

The law only stipulates that photovoltaic systems must be installed during roof renovations if this makes sense, said Mayowa Alaye (GLP). If solar systems were also removed from the law for roof renovations, the law would be useless, said Marco Passafaro (SP). "We need to switch to a future-oriented energy supply."

According to the government council's proposal, the new energy law should promote the economical, rational use of energy and encourage the use of renewable energies. During the first reading, which took the Cantonal Council several hours over a total of four sessions, the SVP/EDU and FDP/Mitte parliamentary groups opposed several tightening measures: They spoke of overly rigorous restrictions and patronizing the citizen.

The SP, Greens and GLP, on the other hand, argued that a sustainable energy supply was undisputed. "The law is a step towards moving forward," said the SP.

The Energy Act will now return to the special committee. The final vote in the cantonal council will take place afterwards. If the law does not achieve a four-fifths majority, the Schaffhausen electorate will automatically have the final say.

SDA