How to Switch Electricity Provider as a Renter in Switzerland (2025 Guide)

As a renter in Switzerland, you have the right to choose your electricity provider, regardless of what your landlord or building owner uses. This means you can switch to UpGrid and buy local solar energy even if you don't own your home.Here's how it works:You choose your provider: Swiss law grants tenants the freedom to select their own electricity supplier.No landlord approval needed: You don't need permission from your landlord to switch providers.UpGrid handles everything: We manage the switch process, including coordination with grid operators and your new energy contract.Same infrastructure: You continue using the existing electrical infrastructure in your building — no installation or hardware changes required.With UpGrid, renters can easily access local, renewable energy at competitive prices without needing to own property or install solar panels. Simply sign up, and we'll guide you through the provider switch process.

Do I Still Have a Utility Bill if I Join Upgrid?

Yes, you'll still receive a bill, but it will be different and often lower than traditional utility bills.With UpGrid, you receive:One consolidated bill from UpGrid that includes both your local solar energy purchases and any grid usage fees.Transparent pricing: You'll see exactly how much you're paying for local renewable energy versus grid costs.Potentially lower costs: Many UpGrid customers pay 10–20% less than standard utility rates.What you won't have:No separate utility bill from your traditional provider (if you fully switch).No hidden fees or surprise charges — UpGrid provides clear, upfront pricing.Your UpGrid bill will detail your energy consumption, local solar energy purchased, and all associated costs in an easy-to-understand format. This gives you full transparency while supporting local renewable energy production.

How to Buy Local Solar Energy Without Installing Panels in Switzerland?

You don't need to install solar panels on your roof to access local solar energy. With UpGrid, you can buy electricity directly from local solar producers in your community without any installation or hardware requirements.Here's how it works:Join a local energy community (LEG): UpGrid connects you with solar producers in your area through Switzerland's new Lokale Energiegemeinschaften (LEGs) framework.No equipment needed: You use the existing electrical grid — no panels, batteries, or modifications required on your property.Simple switch: Just sign up with UpGrid, and we handle the provider change and energy sourcing for you.Benefit from local solar: Enjoy clean, renewable energy sourced from your neighbors' solar panels at competitive prices.Benefits for renters and homeowners:Access renewable energy without property ownership or installation costs.Support local producers while reducing your carbon footprint.Save money compared to traditional utility rates.UpGrid makes it easy to participate in the clean energy transition without any upfront investment or installation.

What is a LEG (Energy Communities - Lokale Energiegemeinschaft)?

A Lokale Energiegemeinschaft (LEG), or Local Energy Community, is a legal framework introduced in Switzerland that enables peer-to-peer energy trading within a defined geographic area. LEGs allow solar energy producers to sell electricity directly to local consumers through the public grid.Key features of LEGs:Local energy sharing: Producers can sell surplus solar power to neighbors, businesses, and other consumers in the same community.Geographic boundaries: LEGs operate within specific areas, typically defined by postal codes or municipalities, keeping energy distribution local.Legal framework: The LEG law comes into effect in 2026, making peer-to-peer energy trading fully legal and regulated in Switzerland.No physical connection required: Energy is traded through the existing public grid, so participants don't need to be physically connected.How UpGrid uses LEGs:We organize and manage LEGs in communities across Switzerland.We handle all contracts, billing, and regulatory compliance.We match local solar producers with nearby consumers.LEGs represent the future of decentralized, community-driven renewable energy in Switzerland, and UpGrid makes it easy to participate.

Is Local Energy Cheaper Than Utility Electricity in Switzerland?

Yes, in most cases, local energy through UpGrid is cheaper than traditional utility electricity in Switzerland.Price comparison:Traditional utilities typically charge 0.20–0.30 CHF per kWh to consumers.UpGrid local solar energy is often available at 10–20% below standard utility rates.No middlemen markup: Since energy goes directly from local producers to consumers, there are fewer intermediaries taking margins.Why local energy is more affordable:Direct relationship: Producers sell directly to local consumers, eliminating multiple utility intermediaries.Fair pricing model: Both producers and consumers benefit — producers earn more than feed-in tariffs, while consumers pay less than retail rates.Community-focused: Value stays in the local community rather than going to large utility corporations.Additional benefits beyond price:100% renewable energy from verified local sourcesFull transparency on pricing and sourcingSupport for local economy and energy independenceWith UpGrid, you get cleaner, cheaper, and more local energy compared to traditional utilities.

Can Tenants Switch to Green Electricity in Switzerland?

Yes, absolutely! Tenants in Switzerland have the legal right to choose their own electricity provider, regardless of what their landlord or building uses. This means you can switch to UpGrid and access local green energy even as a renter.Your rights as a tenant:Freedom of choice: Swiss law grants all electricity consumers, including tenants, the right to select their provider.No landlord approval required: You don't need permission from your landlord to switch to a different electricity supplier.Independent contract: You can have your own electricity contract with UpGrid, separate from any building-level agreements.How it works with UpGrid:Simple signup: Join UpGrid as a tenant — we handle the provider switch process.Same infrastructure: You continue using existing building infrastructure; no modifications needed.100% renewable: Access local solar energy from community producers.Cost savings: Often pay less than traditional utility rates.What you need:A smart meter (most Swiss households have or will have one by 2027)Your rental agreement details (for address verification)No installation or equipment requiredUpGrid makes it easy for tenants to participate in the clean energy transition without property ownership or installation costs.

Buy energy
from your neighbours
with UPGRID

Help the planet, save money and help your community, without any effort!

Benefits are limitless

Save on Electricity Costs Every Month

Access local solar energy at up to 20% below standard utility prices. Lower your electricity bill without changing your habits.

Support Your Local Community

Your energy payments go directly to neighbours and small businesses, not large utility companies or distant energy traders.

Use 100% Clean, Renewable Energy

Tap into verified solar power from your neighbourhood and reduce your CO₂ footprint — all without installing solar panels.

Transparent Billing, No Hidden Fees

Track your energy usage and savings in real time. You get clear billing, no fine print, and full cost visibility.

No Installation, No Hardware, No Hassle

Join in minutes. There's no need to install solar panels, change your smart meter, or make technical upgrades.

Be Part of the Future of Energy in Switzerland

Join a local energy community that gives you more control, greater resilience, and a direct role in the clean energy transition.

Why peer to peer energy?

Solar energy and renewable energy are game-changers for our planet. We use our natural resources to produce clean power, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. By using these sustainable sources, we cut down on pollution, fight climate change, and protect the environment for future generations. It's a win for the planet and a brighter, cleaner future for all.

Save on your energy bill

Aerial view of residential area with solar panels

Calculate Your Savings Potential

See how much you could save on your electricity bill by buying local clean energy through UpGrid's peer-to-peer platform.

Household Savings Estimator

Informational and non-binding

Electricity Consumption (per year) - kWh

Electricity Price - CHF/kWh

Using default settings: 45% local coverage, 0.09 CHF/kWh grid fee with 40% LEG reduction

Calculated Results

Baseline Annual Cost

CHF 68’000

≈ CHF 5’666.67 per month

With UpGrid Annual Cost

CHF 60’260

≈ CHF 5’021.67 per month

Annual Savings

CHF 7’740

11.4% savings • ≈ CHF 645 per month

Assumptions: Local coverage share and prices are estimates and vary by community. Actual savings depend on your specific location and community capacity.

Join an UpGrid Community

This calculator is informational and non-binding. Actual savings/earnings vary.

How do I join?

Local energy communities offer new pricing models and participation opportunities – also as a concept for SMEs.

Fill the form

We want to know you better. Fill the form and let our experts support you on your green journey!

An expert will contact you

One of our agents will get in touch with you to go through possible questions and define the contract.

Sign the contract and enjoy!

Simple as that! once you've signed the contract, you'll be enjoying your new sustainable plan

Join UPGRID

Other things you can do with UPGRID

Buy clean energy, produce your own, or simply turn your roof into passive income. No middlemen, no complex processes — just local, fair, and sustainable energy for you and those around you.

Join a Local Energy Community

Start earning more from your solar energy while powering your neighborhood.

Sell your energy

Finance Your Solar System

We help you install solar panels and generate passive income from day one.

PV financing

Buy Local Clean Energy

Support solar producers in your area and reduce your electricity bill.

Buy energy

Earn by Leasing Your Roof

No solar panels? No problem. Let us install them and share the profits.

Lease your Roof

Let's keep in contact!

You have questions.
We got the answers.

Post

Neugasse 28,
6340 Baar

e-mail

info@upgrid.ch

Phone

Request a call

FAQ

Buy energy
from your neighbours
with UPGRID

Help the planet, save money and help your community, without any effort!