Energy suppliers play a vital role in providing essential public services in Germany. The supply of electricity, gas, heating, transport and telecommunications is a fundamental service. It helps to improve the quality of life. Against a backdrop of increasing technical demands, energy suppliers from the region decided in 2018 to establish a network. Since then, the partners have been supporting one another in carrying out their tasks. The network is open to further partners and continues to grow. On 9 July 2024, the tried-and-tested fault-resolution agreement was signed once again in Kaiserslautern. The network now comprises eleven energy suppliers from the region. In addition to the founding members, EWR Netz GmbH in Alzey, Stadtwerke Grünstadt GmbH and Stadtwerke St. Ingbert GmbH (Biosphären Stadtwerke) have also joined the network.
The original members include EnergieSüdwest Netz GmbH from Landau, Stadtwerke Homburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Pirmasens Versorgungs GmbH, Stadtwerke Zweibrücken GmbH, Stadtwerke Kusel GmbH, Stadtwerke Neustadt an der Weinstraße and SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern.
The partners support one another in the event of emergencies and incidents. This is less about regular on-call duties and more about the network providing mutual support in the event of major disruptions and emergencies – specifically when the partner organisations’ staff or available resources are insufficient to manage the situation.
The board members and managing directors agree that everyone benefits from this network: “Past weather conditions, for example, have shown that we increasingly need to react quickly to extreme situations. Where possible, we must help one another – whether with manpower or operational resources. The members of the network provide mutual support. For example, when a specialised tool or material is missing, or when incidents occur that pose major challenges for an individual utility provider.”
Another advantage is that the companies’ crisis management officers regularly exchange information and provide each other with advice.
This unique model improves security of supply and network efficiency. This benefits both the general public and the cooperation partners themselves.
The network is set to grow further. That is why the cooperation agreement provides for the possibility of further companies joining the competence network in the future.