Ecolabel debate with utilities

A new association for environmentally sound electricity, Verein für Umweltgerechte Elektrizitaet (VfUE), has been set up for the certification of eco-electricity in Switzerland. Two eco-labels will be created: a broad label for all renewables including Switzerland's many hydro plant, and a narrower label for new renewables. Controversy over the inclusion of existing large hydro is being tackled creatively. Talks are ongoing between VfUE and the association of Swiss utilities over a support model where the utilities would get their hydro power certified and in return would guarantee that 0.5% of their electricity sales will be sourced from new, non-hydro renewables plant.