Subsidization of green heating planed before its application

Subsidization of green heating planed before its application – rts.ch

Since January 1, 2025, a federal envelope has been provided for the replacement of oil or electric heating with renewable energy, in accordance with the climate law passed in 2023. However, the fund was reduced even before its application, limiting the replacement rate planned this year.

An envelope of 200 million francs per year for 10 years had been planned to help owners replace their heating with renewable systems. But almost a quarter of these subsidies were eliminated for 2025, after a decision taken by Parliament last December.

This reduction is strongly criticized by elected environmentalists, who denounce an attack on popular will and the objectives of the climate law. Another aspect of climate policy could suffer an even more drastic cut: the energy renovation of buildings. The Gaillard plan, proposed as part of federal savings, provides for a reduction of nearly 400 million francs. This cut could affect the Confederation’s “Buildings” program, which helps the cantons finance renovations.

“A short-sighted policy”, according to Roger Nordmann

For the Federal Council, it is indeed difficult to maintain these two subsidies due to the state of public finances. Its priority remains the replacement of heating systems, even if it means no longer subsidizing the energy renovation of buildings. A project which is still at the consultation stage.

This reduction in funds and this transfer of budgets angers the Vaud national socialist councilor Roger Nordmann. Interviewed Thursday in La Matinale, he believes that the Federal Council is not putting priorities in the right place.

“It’s really a short-sighted policy, when we must modernize our infrastructure to free ourselves from our dependence on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that bad decisions will not be made,” underlines- he at the RTS microphone. And added: “what is certain is that in 2025, all those who invest in the building envelope or in heating and who apply for subsidies will be able to receive the money. This will trigger work, and so my advice is to go for it this year.”