According to results of the referendum held on 21 May, the Swiss voters supported the initiative to ban construction of new nuclear stations in favor of renewable energy sources. The Energy Strategy 2050, which provides for nuclear phase-out in the country, was backed by 58.5% of Swiss residents. The initiative did not require a cantonal majority to be approved. According to the new strategy, the Swiss government will support the development of renewables to be used instead of nuclear power. Additionally, the country plans to implement a program aimed at cutting back energy consumption by introducing new energy supply standards and tax benefits for the innovators in the power industry. This was the second time the Swiss voted on the national energy strategy. In November 2016, they supported the plan to maintain the operating nuclear plants till the end of their service life.