The electricity agreement between Switzerland and the European Union has cleared its first hurdle in the Swiss Parliament. The Senate’s Energy Committee decided to proceed with the bill by 6 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions. The agreement forms part of the Switzerland–EU package, which the Senate is expected to consider during the autumn session. It is intended to enable Swiss operators – such as Swissgrid – to participate on an equal footing and without hindrance in the European internal electricity market, trading platforms and other European bodies in this sector. Furthermore, all Swiss end consumers must be able to choose their electricity supplier freely. It will still be possible to remain with the basic supply provider. According to Parliament services on Tuesday, the committee believes the agreement strengthens security of supply and offers various benefits. The agreement offers the best way to guarantee these imports both now and in the future. Without an agreement, the EU …