EFFEL: Efficiency improvements by electricity suppliers
EFFEL is the efficiency obligation for electricity suppliers under Art. 46b of the Energy Act (EnG). Part of the Mantelerlass, it has been in force since January 2025 and applies for the first time in 2026. EEAgentur makes your efficiency project EFFEL-compliant.
What is EFFEL?
EFFEL stands for «efficiency improvements by electricity suppliers». Through the Mantelerlass, the Swiss Parliament has required electricity suppliers to achieve annual electricity savings. The goal is to save 2 TWh of electricity through efficiency measures by 2035.
The legal basis is Art. 46b of the Energy Act (EnG); the details are set out in the Energy Ordinance (EnV) and the Electricity Supply Ordinance (StromVV). Electricity suppliers can compensate efficiency projects at their customers and pass these costs on to electricity prices.
Legal basis: Art. 46b EnG
With Art. 46b EnG, Parliament enshrined the goal of saving 2 TWh of electricity through efficiency measures by 2035. The implementation of the efficiency obligation for electricity suppliers is governed by the Energy Ordinance (EnV) and the Electricity Supply Ordinance (StromVV).
Who is affected by EFFEL?
The obligation applies to electricity suppliers that sold an average of 10 GWh or more of electricity to end consumers in the previous three calendar years. They must achieve annual savings of 2% of their reference electricity sales, with reduced shares in the first years.
Savings targets over time
Which measures count?
Eligible measures involve electricity consumers that are already in operation, already electrically powered and installed at end consumers in Switzerland:
Devices such as heat pumps and efficient household and commercial appliances.
Systems such as production systems in industry as well as pumps, motors and lighting.
Vehicles, essentially electric mobility.
Savings must be documented. EEAgentur produces the required savings protocols and ensures your project is eligible and authority-ready.
How EEAgentur supports you with EFFEL
Energieagentur St. Gallen implements the EFFEL programme with EEAgentur. We verify your project's eligibility, calculate the savings potential, prepare the documentation and connect you with the right electricity supplier. This is how companies, organisations, households and public institutions benefit from EFFEL.
Frequently asked questions about EFFEL
What does EFFEL mean?
EFFEL stands for «efficiency improvements by electricity suppliers»: the efficiency obligation under Art. 46b of the Swiss Energy Act (EnG).
Who is affected by the efficiency obligation?
It affects electricity suppliers that sold an average of 10 GWh or more of electricity to end consumers over the previous three years. They must achieve annual electricity savings.
What deadlines and savings targets apply?
The obligation applies for the first time in 2026. The shares increase gradually: 0% in 2025, 1% in 2026, 1.5% in 2027 and 2% of reference electricity sales from 2028.
Which measures are eligible?
Eligible measures involve already installed, electrically powered electricity consumers in Switzerland: devices (e.g. heat pumps), systems (e.g. in industry) and vehicles (electric mobility).
How does EEAgentur help with EFFEL?
EEAgentur verifies eligibility, calculates the savings potential, prepares the savings protocols and connects your project with the right electricity supplier.
Further information
Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE): Energy efficiency improvements by electricity suppliers