AVAG's takeover by EBM on the targeted course – Unpacking completed mid-2019 – Olten – Solothurn

Two years ago, in June 2016, EBM (Elektra Birseck Cooperative, Münchenstein), UBS Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland (UBS-CEIS) and the municipal companies Olten (sbo) jointly owned 97% of Aare Versorgungs AG (AVAG) was purchased (we reported).

The AVAG and sbo networks were operated by the joint venture management company a.en. Following the acquisition of AVAG by the partners of the EBM consortium, UBS-CEIS and sbo, it was agreed on 5 July 2017 that the tasks should be unbundled between AVAG and a.en. AVAG remained independent but was reoperated by the EBM. Aare Energie AG (a.en) remained responsible for the sbo and became fully owned.

A key first step has been taken in unbundling. EBM took over the employees and first important areas in the management of Aare Versorgungs AG (AVAG) and moved to a new location in Olten. "EBM will gradually take over the services previously provided by a.en (Aare Energie AG) for AVAG by mid-2019, thus continuing to provide electricity supply in the 17 municipalities covered by the area. "supply," according to a joint press release a.en and EBM

The company currently employs 70 collaborators, says Beat Erne, spokesman for the a.en, on request. It has been fully acquired by sbo and continues to manage and manage its operations in the areas of electricity, gas, heat and water. "This implements the owner's strategy planned by the city of Olten.In the transition phase still in progress, until complete unbundling, a.will also provide the tariffs, billing and service to board for all AVAG / EBM customers by the end of 2018.

Adopted in January

The 40 employees of the a.en, who perform the tasks of supplying electricity in the AVAG communities, were taken over and integrated by the EBM as planned in January 2018. Since 1 July, EBM operates and operates a new location on the Aarburgerstrasse 39 in Olten.

EBM took over the first areas Significant operational support for AVAG and the necessary operations in the region include: network connection management, engineering, planning, construction and maintenance. the operation of AVAG networks and their network documentation (GIS). & # 39; supply and logistics, administration and support of commercial customers in the AVAG supply area have also been fully integrated into EBM. All work will be done with this first step following EBM processes and EBM IT systems.

With comprehensive energy consulting, EBM now assists customers with building renovation, energy saving and electromobility issues. AVAG customers and especially schools in the area now benefit from the offer of Lernwelt Energie, which comes to Olten with the EBM. In addition to guided tours and workshops for young and old at the Electricity Museum in Münchenstein, guests can also exclusively enjoy the specialty of this program, the popular children's birthday party (www. ebm.ch). Finally, at the end of the year 2018, with the takeover of the AVAG private customer, full on – site customer service in Olten will also be offered by the EBM.

The AVAG / EBM cooperation was implemented. All previous contact persons for the implementation of construction and investment projects are the same. They know the network and the customer very well. The operating sites in Olten and Dulliken are also important and allow for short intervention times in communities and end customers. In addition, municipalities and customers in the area have new exclusive offers and their contact for electricity as usual directly on the site.