One commodity will be cheaper in 2026; Zurich could authorize composting the dead; School regulates bathroom breaks

News for 18 February 2025

There is a zero to none chance that the cost of health insurance will drop next year, but prices will be cut for another essential service. The Federal Council approved a new method for calculating electricity prices, which will result in savings for Swiss households and businesses. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) is a financial indicator used to determine the amount that electricity grid operators can charge for the use of their infrastructure.

It is a complex concept, but suffice it to say that the government will now adopt this calculation method, which will slash the price of electricity by 0.55 percent in 2026. As a result of this measure, the totality of electric bills paid by consumers in Switzerland is expected to fall by 124 million francs.

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In Switzerland, there are currently no other options than traditional burial or cremation. But a new funeral option could see the light of day in Zurich — composting the dead, or terramation. Following a motion to this effect submitted by a citizen, the cantonal parliament passed it by majority of votes.

One MP even went as far as saying that this option would be much more pleasant than "finding yourself two metres underground in a cold and damp coffin." However, the right-wingers and religious groups oppose this move, arguing that human composting “undermines the dignity of the dead. And what do we do with the end product?"

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A company in Neuchâtel made its employees clock out when they felt the call of nature. Now a school In Montreux (Vaud) is also stirring up controversy with its bathroom-related regulations.

No, students don't have to clock out to go to the bathroom, but they are only allowed to do so according to a strict schedule: during the short breaks between each period and during morning and afternoon recess. But in the middle of class, each bathroom break is noted in their diary.

Even though parents have complained about this practice, the school's principal decided to maintain it as a collective punishment after some students spray-painted graffiti and set a fire to a trash can.