Switzerland's electricity supply is extremely reliable. The average availability of electricity is 99.99 percent. Electricity outages are virtually unknown in Switzerland, and where they do occur they are highly localized and restricted in duration.

A modern society and a competitive economy require a supply of competitively priced electricity, which is available at all times and can be safeguarded for the long term. If these requirements cannot be met, Switzerland as an economic centre will suffer. Electricity demand is one of several factors that determine security of supply. Other factors include access to primary energy (hydro, nuclear, solar, wind, gas, etc.) and production capacity. In addition, an efficient, reliable and carefully maintained electricity grid is required. Finally, security of supply will exist if the system management can deploy production and grids in line with consumer demand. This is the job of energy companies like Axpo.