Vote on Pecc in the Grand Council: the economic choice (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Appeal to the Grand Council on the Pecc
• Economic choice and energy transition
• Reduction of fossil fuels
• 8 billion in energy imports

Key facts

• What: Open letter to the Grand Council for the vote on the Cantonal Energy and Climate Plan
• When: Ahead of next week's vote in Canton Ticino
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Economic, consumer, and environmental organizations including WWF, Aeeticino, Acsi, Federlegno, Swissolar, App, and ProNatura
• Amount: 8 billion francs spent every year to import fossil energy into Switzerland

The economic, consumer, and environmental organizations of Canton Ticino have written directly to all 90 members of the Grand Council ahead of the vote on the Cantonal Energy and Climate Plan (Pecc), scheduled for next week in the Grand Council. The joint appeal is signed by WWF, Aeeticino, Acsi, Federlegno, Swissolar, App, and ProNatura, who are asking for the measure to proceed straight ahead and be approved without delay. In the letter sent to the cantonal parliamentarians, it is emphasized that recent climate events represent a warning bell that cannot be ignored. The heatwave and drought recorded during the summer were an obvious signal prompting the associations to demand decisive and timely political action. The debate on the Cantonal Energy and Climate Plan thus moves to the heart of the Ticino political arena, mobilizing not only the environmentalist front but also local economic and consumer representatives.

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Operational details

The in-depth analysis presented by the organizations that signed the open letter highlights macroeconomic data of considerable importance for understanding the scope of current energy dependence. Switzerland, at present, imports fossil fuels every year for a total estimated expenditure of around 8 billion francs. This massive outflow of capital results in a level of foreign energy dependence that stands at approximately 68%. This structural vulnerability is essentially attributable precisely to fossil fuels, which continue to be 100% imported from external markets. Completing the energy transition means, according to the promoters of the appeal addressed to the Ticino Grand Council members, redirecting the billions of francs that are currently allocated to the import of harmful energy sources towards local resources and productive sectors capable of generating real added value directly in the territory of the Canton of Ticino.

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Key points

The discussion on the Cantonal Energy and Climate Plan is part of a broader context of climate urgency that does not spare Swiss territory. The arguments submitted to the 90 members of the Grand Council emphasize that in Switzerland climate change is manifesting at twice the speed of the global average. This phenomenon brings growing consequences and damages affecting various strategic areas, including agriculture, public health, biodiversity, and the safety of infrastructure and citizens. Extreme events such as the drought and heatwaves recorded in 2026, as well as the tragic floods and landslides that struck the Maggia Valley and Mesolcina in 2024, constitute dramatic reminders of territorial vulnerability. Faced with these facts, the decision awaiting the cantonal parliament is defined by organizations as a crucial step to assume responsibility for climate mitigation at the regional and cantonal levels.

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