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Abonner Swissgrid AG

Swissgrid AG

Operational launch of national transmission system operator swissgrid

Laufenburg (ots)

swissgrid will commence activities as
Switzerland's national grid operator on 15 December 2006, assuming
operational management and responsibility for the Swiss high-voltage
grid. swissgrid employs approximately 130 highly qualified employees
at its head office in Laufenburg.
"The operational launch of swissgrid is a milestone in the
evolution of the Swiss electricity industry. It will help secure the
electricity supply in Switzerland and its neighbouring countries and
take us one step closer to the European market," explains Hans-Peter
Aebi, CEO of swissgrid ag. The Swiss grid company operates and
manages the entire, high-voltage network covering some 6,700
kilometres, ensuring secure and reliable power supply to millions of
homes and businesses. It will take over all the duties previously
performed by grid coordinator ETRANS, and will now have much more
far-reaching powers and responsibilities.
Secure power supply
In its capacity as transmission grid operator, swissgrid is
responsible for the secure, reliable and cost-effective operation of
the Swiss high-voltage grid. In order to maintain the balance between
power consumption and power generation, swissgrid has the authority
to issue instructions governing grid circuits, frequency regulation
and power control. These powers are essential for smooth grid
operation and will therefore make a vital contribution to ensuring a
secure power supply in Switzerland.
Electricity hub at the heart of Europe
Due to its central location and flexible production options,
Switzerland - and therefore swissgrid - plays a key role when it
comes to cross-border transmission capacities in Europe. swissgrid
will take the action required to avoid and eliminate congestion in
the electricity transmission grid.
The foundation of swissgrid is a unique phenomenon across Europe.
The seven Swiss grid companies (Atel, BKW, CKW, EGL, EOS, EWZ and
NOK) voluntarily set up the national grid company even before this
became necessary under legislation, helping to position the Swiss
electricity industry as the power hub of Europe. In addition to this,
swissgrid will in future be the point of contact for all questions
relating to grid management and operation, and it will also be
responsible for representing Switzerland's interests in the context
of both national and international transmission systems.
Transmission system operator
swissgrid is a public limited company under Swiss law. It is
comparable in size and in its functional and organizational structure
to foreign transmission system operators (TSOs). In line with
swissgrid's slogan "moving power", it plays a leading role in the
development, automation and application of early warning and
monitoring systems for high-voltage networks in Europe, using a range
of innovative instruments. swissgrid employs approximately 130
employees from 11 different nations at its head office in Laufenburg.
The new company's Board of Directors comprises shareholders Atel,
BKW, CKW, EGL, EOS, EWZ and NOK, as well as the cantons and two
neutral board members.
"Panel discussion about the start of swissgrid" today in the opera
Zurich at 16.30.
More info on www.swissgrid.ch
moving power - swissgrid is the national transmission system
operator. In its capacity as transmission grid operator, it ensures
the secure, reliable and cost-effective operation of the Swiss
high-voltage grid. Headquartered in Laufenburg, swissgrid employs
approximately 130 highly qualified employees. As a member of the
Union for the Coordination of Transmission of Electricity (UCTE) and
the European Transmission System Operators (ETSO), it is also
responsible for grid monitoring and grid usage with regard to
European electricity exchange. swissgrid is wholly owned by the seven
Swiss grid companies Atel, BKW, CKW, EGL, EOS, EWZ and NOK.

Contact:

Monika Walser
Werkstrasse 12
5080 Laufenburg
E-Mail: media@swissgrid.ch
Tel. +41/58/580'24'00
Fax +41/58/580'24'94