Lighter SES bills for the third consecutive year (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Third consecutive decrease: -4% in Ticino, -5.5% in Mesolcina and Calanca
• An average household (4,500 kWh) saves CHF 53-73 in 2027
• Energy costs fall by 13-16%, grid increases by 3%
• Measurement fee: +CHF 0.20/month for smart meters

Key facts

• What: SES electricity tariff reduction for the third consecutive year
• When: Year 2027
• Where: Ticino, Mesolcina and Calanca (SES area)
• Who: Società Elettrica Sopracenerina SA (Locarno office)
• Ticino savings: 53 CHF equivalent to about 4%
• Mesolcin/Calanca savings: 73 CHF equivalent to 5.5%
• Average consumption: 4,500 kilowatt hours per year

The downward trend in tariffs for customers of Società Elettrica Sopracenerina SA continues. In 2027, for the third consecutive year, SES reports a decline in energy bills thanks to a reduction in supply costs and efficient portfolio management.

In the Ticino area of SES, an average domestic economy with an annual consumption of 4,500 kilowatt hours will save 53 francs, equivalent to about 4%. An even more significant reduction concerns the four municipalities of lower Mesolcina and Calanca served by Sopracenerina: here the drop reaches 73 francs, or 5.5%.

Tariff structure unchanged, but with specific variations

The tariff structure remains stable compared to 2026. The bill continues to be composed of five elements: network use, metering rate, supply of

Operational details

Smart meter: adjustment of the metering tariff

The metering tariff, introduced for the first time in 2026, will be adjusted from CHF 6.10 to CHF 6.30 per month — an increase of CHF 0.20 monthly, equivalent to CHF 2.40 annually. This adjustment is linked to the expected costs of accelerating the replacement of traditional meters with intelligent models (smart meters), in compliance with the current federal regulatory framework.

The smart meter represents an investment in transparency and energy efficiency: it allows customers to monitor consumption in real time, promoting conscious energy use and facilitating the integration of local renewable sources. The installation and management of these devices involve costs that SES gradually transfers to the bill.

For most customers, the CHF 2.40 annual increase is fully offset by the reduction on the energy supply. In fact, the balance is largely positive: the net savings remain at CHF 53 in Ticino or CHF 73 in Mesolcina and Calanca.

The decisive drop: energy supply

The component that really makes the difference is the energy supply. Compared to 2026, the cost of this item will decrease by approximately 13% for SES customers in Ticino and by about 16% for customers in Graubünden. This drop is significant: while 3% increases on the grid and the smart meter adjustment absorb part of the savings, the energy reduction represents the largest net gain.

SES attributes this result to two strategic factors: the procurement strategy made it possible to minimize the volatility of energy prices over recent months; the well-balanced portfolio of Sopracenerina, characterized by a mix of locally produced renewable energy and energy purchased on the wholesale market.

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Key points

How to calculate your savings in 2027

When you receive your next SES bill in 2027, wait for the official communication from the company with personalized details based on your consumption. The five-element structure will remain the same, but the amounts for the Transport Tariff, Metering Tariff, and Energy Supply will change according to the new rates.

To estimate your personal savings, proceed as follows:

1. Check your annual consumption — review the last 12 months of your 2026 SES bills 2. Compare with the average consumption: If you use 4,500 kWh in Ticino, the estimated saving will be around CHF 53 per year 3. If you live in Mesolcina or Calanca, the discount rises to CHF 73 per year for the same consumption 4. Consider the partial increases: the 3% on the grid and the smart meter adjustment (+CHF 2.40/year) will be largely offset by the energy decrease

The net result remains a drop of about 4–5.5% on the total bill, regardless of the internal variations within the tariff structure.

Where to find official and personalized information

SES will publish the full details of the new tariffs through an official communication. I recommend checking with the company:

• The official SES press release with the complete 2027 tariff table
• Any personalized simulation offered by SES based on your consumption profile and location
• The methods and schedule for installing the smart meter in your distribution area

If you work or live in the SES district and wish to verify the exact impact on your personal bill, contact SES customer service for an accurate estimate based on your historical consumption.

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