Distribution grid: Lower rates for Axpo customers thanks to optimisations

19.07.2017 - Axpo is aligning its network planning to the Energy Strategy 2050: Owing to changed frame-work conditions, in particular new estimates on load development in the distribution grid, grid projects in the cantons of Thurgau and St Gallen will be adapted. With targeted optimisation measures, investment costs in the range of about CHF 50 million can be saved, which will have a positive impact on grid rates for Axpo customers in Northeastern Switzerland.

Axpo operates the largest national distribution grid in Switzerland. The total line length covers a distance of over 2238 kilometres. Thanks to continuous monitoring and optimisation of its grid structure, Axpo ensures power grid reliability at low grid tariffs.

In order to meet the growing demands of the energy future and developments in society and business, Axpo is successively converting its national distribution grid for operation with 110 kilovolts (kV). Conversion will increase transmission capacities and reduce grid losses by 75 per cent. Voltage conversions that have already been carried out have proven successful, and Axpo will continue to advance these projects. Each project is continuously monitored in terms of operative and economic necessity, and if needed, adapted to the changed regional and energy policy framework conditions.

Project changes owing to new framework conditions

The adopted Federal Energy Law places new demands on power grids: With the expansion of renewable energies, decentralised power production will increase in the future. More decentralised production will feed into grids with low voltage, which means that load development in the national grid will not be as strong as previously assumed. Taking into account this development and based on regional circumstances, Axpo is adapting its grid projects in the cantons of St. Gallen and Thurgau:

• In the Canton of St. Gallen, the planned conversion of a line along the Walensee to 110 kV has been dropped. The line will remain operative with 50 kV.
• Axpo's 50-kV line connection between Gossau and Wattwil, as well as between Bazenheid and Oberuzwil in the Canton of St. Gallen will no longer be needed in the future.
• In the Canton of Thurgau, the 50-kV line at Hasli-Schlattingen will also no longer be needed and the construction of a 110-kV line has been cancelled.
• In addition, the number of large power transformers in Axpo's grid in Northeastern Switzerland will be reduced by three units.

In coordination with the involved partners, dismantling of no longer needed lines will be reviewed in the upcoming years.

The high level of security of supply in the affected regions will continue to be ensured with the introduced measures. With the optimisations, Axpo will continue to provide a reliable, efficient grid in the future.