Overview

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In terms of climate and energy policy, the transition from the promotion system (subsidy-based) to the incentive system (tax-based) is to take place from 2021. The incentive system works through taxes and the associated incentives. This makes it possible to achieve climate and energy objectives in a more effective and economical manner than with promotion and regulatory measures.

The Federal Council has proposed a new constitutional article on climate and power taxes, as well as transitional provisions. The constitutional article specifies that the Confederation can levy a power tax and a climate tax on combustibles and motor fuel. These taxes should go a long way in helping reduce fossil fuel consumption and thus greenhouse gas emissions, and generally ensure that energy is used sparingly and efficiently. However, motor fuel is not to be subject to the incentive fee initially.

The revenue from climate and power taxes will be redistributed in full to households and companies, except during a transitional period when some of the revenue will be used for promotion purposes. Because of the redistribution, the overall burden for households and companies will not increase. Households and companies with low energy consumption will be rewarded, as they will receive more money than they pay in climate and power taxes. With regard to the levying of climate and power taxes, account will be taken of companies whose operations or production is particularly greenhouse gas or energy intensive.

The Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the incentive system for climate and energy policy in the autumn of 2015. However, the National Council dismissed this matter on 8 March 2017, with the Council of States dismissing it on 12 June 2017. Parliament has thus rejected the project for a new incentive system for climate and energy policy.

Last modification 10.07.2017

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