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Electricity & gas · Switzerland
Checked 2026-09-30

⏱️ Fixed price or dynamic (hourly) electricity contract in Switzerland: which is right for me?

The short answer

A fixed price stays the same for an agreed period. A dynamic price follows the wholesale market hour by hour, so it can be cheaper when you shift your use, and more expensive at peak times.

📜 The rules in Switzerland

Fixed and dynamic contracts

Households using under 100 MWh a year stay in the basic supply of their local grid operator, so there is no choice of fixed or dynamic supplier contracts. By law, basic-supply tariffs are set per calendar year and stay fixed for at least one year.

  • Since the 2026 tariff year, a grid operator may make a dynamic grid tariff, set on the basis of the grid load expected for the next day, its standard tariff. It must then also offer an optional tariff that matches the previous standard tariff. (elcom.admin.ch)
  • Dynamic tariffs require a smart meter. If you do not have one yet, the previous tariff structure continues to apply to you. (elcom.admin.ch)
  • ElCom does not rule out dynamic energy tariffs offered as optional tariffs in basic supply, but the rules on energy procurement and energy tariffs must still be met. Ask your grid operator whether it offers one. (elcom.admin.ch)
Official source: fedlex.admin.ch · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Look at how you use energyA dynamic price suits people who can move use to cheap hours, for example with an electric car, a heat pump or a timer. It needs a smart meter.
  2. Check what is on offerSee below what the rules in Switzerland say about fixed-price and dynamic contracts and who has to offer them.
  3. Read the risks and the termsBefore you sign, the supplier must explain the costs and risks of a dynamic contract. Check the notice period and any exit fee.
  4. Review after a few monthsCompare your bills with what a fixed price would have cost. You can switch again under your contract terms.

📇 Who to contact

Strompreis-Webseite der ElCom officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.strompreis.elcom.admin.ch
Eidgenössische Elektrizitätskommission ElComSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +41 58 462 58 33🔗 www.elcom.admin.ch

❓ Questions

Is a dynamic contract cheaper?

Only if you use a lot of power when prices are low. At peak times it can cost much more than a fixed price.

Do I need a smart meter?

Yes. Hourly prices need a meter that records your use per hour or per quarter hour.

Can a fixed price still go up?

Normally not during the fixed period, but taxes and network charges can change. The rules for Switzerland are on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

📈Price increase→🔄Switching supplier→📟Smart meter→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→

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