In the 2019/2020 financial year, Open Energy Platform AG (OpenEP) once again proved its efficiency as an energy service provider. Despite falling prices and more difficult framework conditions, the company managed to improve on last year’s annual result.
OpenEP was stable over the last reporting year. In light of the pandemic, its digital strategy and commitment to flexible working models in particular have proven their worth. The switch to working from home went smoothly, with the numerous services for gas procurement available without interruption.
It is particularly noteworthy that OpenEP employees were able to improve on the previous year’s results despite this changeover and significantly lower prices, with annual profit increasing from CHF 405,113 to CHF 593,070. The sales volume came in at the previous year’s level, while the lower prices drove revenues down by about CHF 80 million to CHF 513,232,180. ‘We can look back on a successful year under extraordinary conditions,’ says CEO Rudolf Summermatter. ‘Thus, we confirmed in several ways that our business model is sound.’
Market liberalisation and online trend remain dominant
In addition to the business figures, two events in particular stood out in the reporting year: the consultation process for the new Gas Supply Act (GasVG) and the challenges presented by the lockdown. In its statement on GasVG, OpenEP underscored its company philosophy based on strong competition, a lean market model and cost-efficient solutions. ‘OpenEP remains committed to ensuring that these values flow into the framework conditions for the Swiss gas industry,’ says Summermatter.
Photo: Rudolf Summermatter, CEO, OpenEP
The pandemic put the implementation of digital solutions to the test. The fact that OpenEP maintained the high quality of its services, and the increased importance of online solutions, confirmed that it is on the right path. ‘A functioning collaboration between customers, employees, partners, owner representatives and the Board of Directors is essential for success, even in the digital age,’ says Summermatter. ‘We have proven that our network is extremely robust.’ The result of the customer survey emphasises this statement. Contacts in daily business evaluated collaboration with OpenEP at 4.6 out of a possible 5 points. In addition to customer feedback, OpenEP also reviewed its company strategy. The Board of Directors and management involved employees and customers, giving a broad base on which to further refine individual points of the strategy.
Changes to the Board of Directors
Looking ahead to the 2020/2021 reporting year, sales volumes are expected to remain steady. Prices and thus revenues are likely to continue their downward trend. Nonetheless, OpenEP expects its results to remain stable.
For the Board of Directors, continuity is ensured. At the General Meeting on 11 March 2021, the delegates elected two new members to replace Peter Dietiker and Walter Krähenbühl – Felix Grolman from Energie 360° and Michael Frick from Technische Betriebe Weinfelden. OpenEP would like to thank Peter Dietiker and Walter Krähenbühl for their service to the company. ‘Both of them helped to shape it and enable sustained success’ says Summermatter. ‘And it is in part thanks to their work that the company can look to the future with optimism.’ Peter Graf of St. Galler Stadtwerke, a long-serving member of the Board of Directors, will assume the position of Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors vacated by Walter Krähenbühl. OpenEP is convinced that it will be able to continue its successful trajectory with these changes in personnel.
Contact:
Rudolf Summermatter, CEO Open Energy Platform AG | Beckenhofstrasse 6 | 8006 Zurich
Phone +41 44 733 62 70 | Email: info@openep.ch