Most households can expert lower electricity bills in 2026; fewer apartments are up for rent in Switzerland; and other news in our roundup on Wednesday.
Good news for (some) consumers: Electricity prices will drop in 2026
Electricity bills will become slightly lower for the majority of Switzerland’s residents next year: they will fall by an average of 4 percent, the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom) announced on Tuesday.
This means that a ‘typical’ household consuming 4,500 kWh will save 58 francs per year.
However, not all households will benefit from the same cut.
Some will see their bills increase, as data from the country’s 600 electricity distributors reveals significant disparities from one region to another.
Switzerland has fewer rental accommodations
This may not be a surprise to anyone looking for a home, and official numbers confirm this phenomenon.
In fact, there has been no relief for the housing shortage in the past months; to the contrary, it has become worse.
The vacancy rate in Switzerland fell to 1 percent in June, according to data published by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday.
This corresponds to a 6.8-percent decrease in the vacancy rate.
This shortage is worst in 15 cantons, with the lowest vacancy rates (below the national average of 1 percent) recorded in Geneva (0.34 percent), followed by Zug (0.42 percent) and Zurich (0.48 percent).
The supply of vacant rental apartments has steadily declined over the past five years, the FSO reported.
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And more news from the FSO…
People with high-level literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills are better integrated in the workforce
Regardless of their level of qualification, such candidates have access to better paid jobs and take part in more continuing education and training, FSO reported on Tuesday.
In Switzerland, four out of five employees demonstrate ‘average to high-leve reading (81 percent), arithmetic (85 percent) and problem solving (79 percent) skills.
“These abilities are crucial to success in the workplace, directly affecting people’s employability, income and participation in continuing education and training,” the FSO found.
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Principle of non-violent education is now enshrined in Swiss law
Parents in Switzerland must raise their children without the use of violence. This principle is now explicitly enshrined in the Swiss Civil Code, after the Council of States approved this amendment on Tuesday.
The National Council had already accepted it during the previous session of the parliament, in May.
The cantons will have to ensure that parents and children can contact counselling centres together or individually in the event of conflicts or difficulties in child-rearing
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
