Zurich’s bold experiment: Electricity prices that change every 15 minutes
Zurich is preparing to change how residents pay for electricity. The city’s energy provider, Elektrizitätswerke Zürich (EWZ), will introduce dynamic tariffs in early 2026. These new rates will adjust every 15 minutes, matching real-time demand and market prices.
The shift aims to encourage customers to use electricity when supply is plentiful. By doing so, the system could reduce peak demand and lower overall costs. Those who adjust their usage times might save up to 20% on their bills.
To take full advantage, households will need a smart meter and an energy management system. These tools automate appliance usage, responding to price changes automatically. For example, charging an electric vehicle could become cheaper at night but more expensive during high-demand periods. For now, only 100 of EWZ’s 40,000 customers have signed up for the dynamic tariffs. However, the provider expects interest to rise as the benefits become clearer. Customers who prefer stability can still choose fixed-rate electricity in 2026. Dynamic tariffs remain uncommon in Switzerland but are already in use in countries like Germany and Spain. Zurich’s pilot project will test the system before a full rollout planned for 2028, provided the trial succeeds.
The new pricing model will launch in early 2026, with adjustments every 15 minutes. Residents who adapt their energy use could cut costs significantly. If the pilot succeeds, dynamic tariffs will become standard across Zurich by 2028.
