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The ripple control system will be decommissioned at the end of 2029
BKW is taking ripple control out of service on 31 December 2029. Are you the owner of a system that is controlled by it? If so, you need to take action in good time. Here you can find out which systems are affected and how to plan the changeover together with your electrical installer.
The essentials
What needs to be done and which installations are involved?
If you own an affected system, you must have it disconnected from ripple control by 31 December 2029. An electrician will assist you with this.
The ripple control system switched boilers, electric heating systems, heat pumps and other installations on and off at specific times for around 50 years. It has now reached the end of its technical service life.
  • Electric boiler
  • Heat pumps
  • Electric storage heater
  • Direct heating
Owners
How do you know whether you are affected?
If you are the owner of an affected installation, we will inform you personally by letter by the end of 2026. In it, you will learn that your installation is still connected to the ripple control system and what steps are necessary.
Have you not received a letter?If you have not received a letter from us by the end of 2026, you can assume that you are not affected.Are you nevertheless sure that your system is still connected to the ripple control system? Then you can contact us.
End of 2029BKW will take the ripple control system out of service on 31 December 2029.By the end of 2026We will inform affected owners personally.Plan transitionCommission an electrician.
Affected installations
What measures are required for which system?
Depending on the system type, the measures after disconnection from the ripple control system differ. Select the appropriate system type to see the recommendations for the changeover.
Man in an orange jacket in front of a coastal landscape with rocks and the sea in the background
Electric water heaterOnce your boiler has been disconnected from the ripple control system, it must be switched to a suitable new control solution.
Approach
Successful migration in three steps
Proceed together with your electrical installer. This will ensure that your system continues to work after the shutdown or is replaced in good time.
01Contact an electricianArrange an appointment with an electrical installer. Together, you will clarify which measures are required for your installation.02Have the installation switched overYour specialist disconnects the system from the ripple control and, if necessary, sets up a new control system or arranges for the system to be replaced.03Check the function and have the changeover reportedYour specialist will ensure that your installation continues to function properly and will notify us of the disconnection. You do not need to submit a separate notification for this.
Find a specialist
Costs
Who bears the costs of the changeover?
As the owner, you bear the costs of converting your system. This also includes any necessary adjustments to your building installation.
Discuss with your electrical installer what work is required. This will allow you to plan the changeover in good time.
Additional tariffs
What applies to the additional tariffs UR and SR?
With the shutdown of ripple control, the additional tariffs «LV interruptible (UR)» and «LV controllable (SR)» will also be discontinued.
UR tariff (LV interruptible)Heat pumps and direct heating systems with this additional tariff are currently generally blocked twice a day for two hours at a time via the ripple control system. In return, you receive remuneration via the UR tariff.SR tariff (LV controllable)SR tariff (LV controllable)Works-controlled electric storage heaters are switched on and off via the ripple control system. This control is remunerated via the SR tariff.Important: Both additional tariffs will no longer apply as soon as the affected installation is disconnected from the ripple control system – but no later than when it is switched off on 31 December 2029. Second meterAny second meter must be deinstalled when the associated installation is disconnected from the ripple control system, because this meter causes unnecessary additional costs for you. Specifically, a second meter costs around 90 francs per year, which is reflected in the metering tariff.
Good to know
Framework conditions
Renovation obligationsIn the cantons of Bern, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn, conventional and utility-controlled electric storage heaters must be replaced by law. In Solothurn by 31 December 2030, and in Bern and Basel-Landschaft by 31 December 2031.FundingThe cantons of Bern, Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn and Jura offer various subsidies that are particularly worth looking into if you are considering replacing a system.Abolition of imputed rental valueThe imputed rental value will be abolished at the end of 2028. Until then, the costs of renovations can be claimed for tax purposes. This may be a reason to carry out renovations, such as replacing a heating system, before the end of 2028.More guidesThe public energy advice centre in your canton offers independent and free initial advice. There you can get support if you would like to replace your heating system.
FAQ
Answers to your questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the technical changeover, the reporting process and the applicable framework conditions for the shutdown of ripple control.
Do you have questions about ripple control or about converting your system? We will be happy to help.

You can find your customer number either on your invoice or in the myBKW customer portal

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