OIBT inspection in Biel/Bienne
Received an inspection notice from Energie Service Biel/Bienne (ESB) for a building in Biel/Bienne (Bern)? OIBT pro calculates your price online, books an ESTI-licensed inspector and sends the safety report to your grid operator.
Grid operator in Biel/Bienne
According to ElCom, the municipality's electricity grid is operated by Energie Service Biel/Bienne (ESB), which sends the periodic inspection notice and receives the safety report.
The building stock of Biel/Bienne
Biel/Bienne has 56'896 inhabitants (FSO, 2024). The federal census counts 6'293 residential buildings there: 1'712 single-family houses and 3'155 multi-family buildings. 88 % were built before 1981 and 3'223 before 1946: these installations have already been through at least one 20-year periodic inspection cycle, and the grid operator's next notice comes due regularly.
| Single-family houses | 1712 |
| Multi-family buildings | 3155 |
| Mixed-use buildings | 1426 |
| Share built before 1981 | 88 % |
Sources: FSO, population statistics (STATPOP) and federal building census (structure by construction period).
Frequently asked questions
Who sends the inspection notice in Biel/Bienne?
In Biel/Bienne, the periodic inspection notice is sent by Energie Service Biel/Bienne (ESB). It states the reference, the installation and the deadline. Photograph the letter in the assistant: we read these details automatically.
How soon can an inspection take place in Biel/Bienne?
Our inspectors cover Biel/Bienne and the whole canton of Bern. You pick a slot online, usually within 2 to 3 weeks; “optimal” slots (inspector already in the area) are cheaper.
Which buildings in Biel/Bienne are subject to periodic inspection?
Every building connected to the grid: in Biel/Bienne, the federal census counts 6293 residential buildings (1712 houses, 3155 multi-family buildings), 88 % of them built before 1981. A dwelling is inspected every 20 years, business premises every 10 years (5 years for high-risk premises).
What is a periodic OIBT inspection?
The Swiss Low-Voltage Installations Ordinance (OIBT/NIV) requires owners to have their electrical installations inspected at regular intervals (20 years for housing, 10 or 5 years for commercial premises). The grid operator sends a notice; you appoint an independent inspection body which issues the safety certificate.
OIBT inspection pricing
| Detached house | CHF 448incl. VAT |
| Apartment | CHF 285incl. VAT |
| Apartment building | CHF 1323incl. VAT |
| Shop, office, restaurant, workshop | CHF 456incl. VAT |
| Farm | CHF 937incl. VAT |
| Industry, crafts, healthcare | CHF 937incl. VAT |