SAK Takes Over Elektra Grub Power Grid - Investment in a Secure and Sustainable Energy Supply

Comments from the Grub AR Municipality

“The Mantel Ordinance poses great challenges for small and medium-sized grid operators, requiring considerable investments and new expertise to address. For Elektra Grub AR, this would have meant purchasing extensive services externally, with noticeable impacts on electricity prices. By selling the power grid to SAK, these tasks are in professional hands; from January 1, 2026, customers will receive their electricity bill from SAK. Particularly gratifying: compared to Elektra Grub's 2025 prices, electricity prices in 2026 will decrease by around 37 percent – a clear relief for households and businesses in Grub AR. Continuing independently as Elektra would have resulted in persistently high electricity prices,” emphasizes Mathias Züst, Mayor of Grub AR.

“The collaboration with SAK has been goal-oriented, competent, and cooperative from the start, which also reflected in finding solutions for the existing fiber optic network, which after careful examination could also be sold to SAK. With the symbolic key handover, we place the responsibility for the power supply and the fiber optic network of Grub AR in professional hands. For the municipality, the focus is now on completing the accounting and administrative closure,” explains Nora Fagagnini, Municipal Councillor of Grub.

SAK's Perspective

SAK strengthens its regional presence with the acquisition of the power grid and invests in sustainable energy infrastructure for the population and businesses in the region. The integration of the grid is seamless, ensuring that customers continue to benefit from a secure and stable electricity supply. SAK has already taken over all technical data, assessed the condition of the facilities, and integrated them into its systems. In the future, it will ensure the safe and efficient operation of the grid and expand it as needed for the energy transition.

“With the acquisition of the Elektra Grub network, we make an important contribution to supply security and sustainability in Eastern Switzerland. We supply the region with energy and data that are safe, renewable, and competitive, and we build and operate the necessary infrastructures. In doing so, we actively support the implementation of the energy strategy and offer our customers comprehensive solutions for energy, data, and communication – today and in the future,” explains Vitus Müller, Head of Regional Networks and Operations at SAK.

Value for the Region and Customers

For customers, the change brings noticeable improvement: electricity prices for residential customers (consumption profile H5 7,500 kilowatt-hours per year) will decrease by around 37 percent from 2026 compared to 2025. This will significantly ease the financial burden on the population. In addition, SAK brings its extensive expertise in grid operation, digitalization, and energy solutions. It sees itself as a partner for the region and aims to create real added value with innovative services such as photovoltaic systems, e-mobility, and energy efficiency.

Investment in the Future

The acquisition is part of SAK's long-term strategy to sustainably shape the energy supply in Eastern Switzerland. In addition to modernizing the grid, SAK will provide customers access to a wide range of energy solutions – from CO2 reduction consulting to smart technologies for households and businesses. Together, we shape the energy and data world of tomorrow and create a working environment where people actively contribute to the sustainable future of Eastern Switzerland.

Media Contacts
SAK (St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG)
Silvia Brönnimann
Media Office
T +41 71 229 51 99
medien@sak.ch

St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG
Vadianstrasse 50
PO Box 2041
CH-9001 St.Gallen

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: SAK