Switzerland: BKW to switch off at the end of 2029 the ripple control system that switches boilers for over 100,000 customers

Bern energy group BKW announced on 5 November that it will shut down at the end of 2029 its ripple control system (Rundsteuerung in German), which for about 50 years has switched water heaters, electric heaters and public lighting on and off at set times via a signal sent through the power grid.

What was decided. According to BKW, the technology has reached the end of its technical service life. Spare parts are increasingly hard to obtain, and maintenance and operation are very costly. Running it beyond 2029 would have required a complete renewal and modernisation with high investment, which the company decided against.

The figures. More than 100,000 customers currently receive the signal. Municipalities and cantons also use it, including for public lighting, and BKW also leases it to downstream distribution system operators.

Background. BKW argues that the system no longer fits an increasingly decentralised and flexible grid: more and more households produce their own solar power or use batteries and can adjust their consumption individually. As alternatives, the company points to photovoltaics, storage and energy management systems, as well as the “Sonne scheint” grid tariff and dynamic feed-in remuneration.

What comes next. Customers need not do anything immediately, as three years remain. By the end of 2029, however, installations controlled this way must be disconnected from the receiver and adapted by an electrical installer, and the separation must be reported to BKW as grid operator. The company says it will contact affected customers personally in the coming days and weeks and will inform municipalities, cantons, grid operators and installers early.

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