The Swiss utilities firm, BKW FMB Energie and its 40 regional partners, who make up 1to1 energy, have developed the country's first environmentally friendly electricity, calling it "water star".

The electricity, produced at a hydroelectric station in Aarberg, passes the strict ecological tests laid out by the "naturemade star" standard, making it the first Swiss power station to achieve the quality mark.

The "naturemade star" standard is one of the toughest in Europe and is only awarded to enterprises that guarantee to leave the environment in its natural state. The 1to1 energy initiative fulfils the criteria since it produces electricity in a way that benefits the local environment.

Profits raised from sales of "water star" will be channelled into a special fund that will be used to regenerate the environment around Aarberg. Among the projects already under way are new waterways for both fish and beavers, as well as improvement of the flow of water into the Vieille Aare river.

Every kilowatt-hour of "eco-electricity" sold will help to promote renewable energy and assist the development of wind and solar power projects.

According to 1to1 energy, customers subscribing to the new product will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets. But the company says the extra 4.5 centimes per kilowatt-hour will go entirely toward environmental projects.

Customers can choose whether to switch the whole of their electricity supply over to "water star" or to use it as a percentage of their annual consumption.

swissinfo with agencies

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