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Lake Geneva region (GenevaLunch) - More energy should be produced in the Lake Geneva region, notably in Valais, say suppliers and the CFF rail company, which is a heavy user. New electricity lines, preferably overhead rather than cable, are needed urgently, with the region overly dependent on French electricity. The region is isolated because it lacks two supply lines needed to link it into the Swiss grid. Consumption has grown 45% in 20 years and by 2012 the risk of blackouts will have increased substantially. Lines in the region are already fully loaded at peak hours.

EOS (Western Switzerland electricity holding company), Swissgrid and the CFF argue that the most economical but also safest in terms of delivery, would be above-ground wires, rather than cables. Installing cables will cost CHF15 more per kWh paid by households and in case of breakdowns the repair time for wires is 24-48 hours, compared to several weeks for aerial wires.