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GlühbirneThis section contains SFAO audits related to energy and communication issues.

Audit Effectiveness of subsidies for large photovoltaic installations - Swiss Federal Office of Energy

In order to achieve its targets in terms of energy and climate policy, the Confederation has taken measures to substantially increase electricity production by means of photovoltaics (PV). Photovoltaics are to replace nuclear power as the most important pillar of Swiss electricity production, along with hydropower, by 2050. The production targets for solar electricity have been raised several times, while the measures have been repeatedly modified. Since 2014, the non-recurrent remuneration for photovoltaic installations, designed as an investment contribution, has gradually replaced the cost-covering remuneration for feed-in to the electricity grid (CRF), which has been paid out since 2009, as the most important subsidy for solar power. By the end of 2022, a total of CHF 1.5 billion in subsidies from the grid supplement fund was granted under non-recurrent remuneration for 130,000 PV installations, with an annual production of 2.6 terawatt hours. Furthermore, federal regulations are driving additional financial incentives and the legal possibilities for more solar power plants. These include, in particular, regulations on self-consumption of the solar power produced, on feeding back to the electricity grid operators and on spatial planning. Mandatory PV for new buildings, information measures and federal and cantonal tax regulations, as well as supplementary subsidies from individual cantons and communes, also have an impact on the increase in the number of solar power installations.

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Audit number: 22325

Evaluation Effectiveness of CO2 penalties for new cars and vans - Federal Office of Energy

The CO2 Act envisages a reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 of at least 20% compared to 1990. The Federal Council's CO2 emission regulations are part of the effort to reduce greenhouse gases. In 2020, road traffic accounted for around 40% of Switzerland's total CO2 emissions. The measure creates incentives for vehicle importers to offer low-emission vehicles. For this purpose, individually calculated emission ceilings are set for imported vehicles. If the value is exceeded, a penalty is imposed. The penalty amounts paid have risen sharply since 2018. They totalled CHF 28 million in 2021. Enforcement costs have held steady since 2012. In 2020, they amounted to around 1% of penalty revenue.

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Audit number: 21307

Audit Supervision audit of SRG SSR and Serafe AG - Federal Office of Communications

The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) audited the supervision of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) and Serafe AG by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), as well as the implementation of four recommendations. SRG SSR is excluded from the SFAO's supervision.

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Audit number: 21164

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