A number of options are being explored to prevent blackouts this winter, says Swiss Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.

This comes amid criticism that the country has not created an effective energy saving plan,

reports .

"Switzerland is doing everything to prevent a shortage.

But let's not forget that there is war in Europe.

There is no security," said Sommaruga.

She added that adopting a 15 percent energy saving target like that of the European Union would "make sense", but the government would make the final decision.

Her comments come after the head of the electricity commission was criticized after calling on citizens to buy candles and firewood before winter.

Some media and politicians took this as an admission that the government's energy strategy was unprepared for possible power outages.

Sommaruga backtracked, saying an energy-saving campaign would be launched in the coming weeks.