OpenEP proved its worth in an environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties by ensuring a stable gas supply for its customers while successfully integrating new regulatory requirements. For the first time, an innovative AI-based solution for optimising energy management was introduced, representing an important step towards digitalisation and increased efficiency.

The company generated healthy sales in the last financial year, with physical gas volumes roughly in line with the previous year. Particular attention was paid to a comprehensive market development study, which provided important insights into natural gas, biogas and hydrogen and offered customers new strategic options. OpenEP continues to promote employee development and has introduced measures such as flexible working hours and a childcare allowance, resulting in high employee satisfaction and low turnover.

Looking to the coming years, OpenEP plans to further expand its services, in particular through the development of innovative products that respond to growing market demands.

2022/23

OpenEP achieved new levels of success in the 2022/23 financial year. It reached a new record high, made possible in particular by high demand and price increases. In addition, new market-based products were launched, including a fixed-price option for customers with low gas consumption, which met with a positive response.

Measures for guaranteeing supply, such as the establishment of an early warning system and the promotion of storage options, were developed in partnership with federal authorities. There was a particular focus on digital process optimisation to ensure a flexible and reliable energy supply. Customer satisfaction remained high, with top scores for service quality and efficiency.

2021/22

This year’s challenges included the conflict in Eastern Europe and the associated price volatility in the gas sector. OpenEP exceeded the CHF 1 billion mark for the first time and was able to guarantee supply through risk management and working closely with customers and authorities. In response to market changes, new commercial products, including certificates of origin for gas, have been launched to meet growing demand.

Thanks to strong automation and an efficient business structure, customer satisfaction and trust in OpenEP remained high, which was reflected in the growing customer base. The sound financial position allowed OpenEP to maintain stability and liquidity even in the face of market volatility.

2020/21

Early risk management and a strong digitalisation strategy meant that OpenEP was able to maintain service quality and further optimise its processes. One organisational innovation was the launch of the Corporate Services department. Since the beginning of 2014, the quality of processes has been ensured by the ISO 9001 certification.

New products were introduced, such as OpenEP.datahub, which provides flexible, real-time reporting for customers and simplifies the management of gas storage facilities. OpenEP continues to be strongly committed to the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the gas market, focusing on efficiency and customer proximity.

2019/20

2019/20 was a stable year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. OpenEP proved its worth with a successful digitalisation strategy that enabled flexible working from home and ensured service quality. Since 2020, the newly launched online marketplace and portfolio management tools have boosted customer autonomy and optimised trading processes. OpenEP increased its equity ratio this year by reducing current liabilities. Other important developments included expanding services to include solutions for temperature protection and renewable energies.

2018/19

This year’s sources of income included gas and transporter revenue as well as services provided primarily for energy suppliers. Liquid assets fell due to a reduction in current liabilities and targeted use of capital. The balance sheet assets were strengthened by fixed investments and strategic reserves, while the equity ratio remained stable. Particular attention was paid to compliance standards and careful risk management, supported by efficient cost control and cooperation with national authorities.

2017/18

OpenEP was able to achieve good procurement prices thanks to its efficient portfolio and risk management. One important milestone was the launch of an online marketplace that allows customers to view prices and carry out transactions digitally, thereby increasing efficiency and transparency. Entry into the biogas market was also driven forward by the collaboration with Energie 360 Grad Ltd.

2016/17

OpenEP continued to grow this year and was able to expand its market presence and increase demand for its services. There was a change at management level. Rudolf Summermatter took up his post as CEO. Ernst Tschannen left the company.

Even back then, the company was systematically pursuing the digitalisation of its processes in order to increase efficiency and support the competitiveness of its customers. Risk management was also further developed and the financial situation remained stable.

2015/16

This year, OpenEP successfully continued its strategy and consolidated its position as an energy service provider in the market. Fluctuations in gas prices in Europe required strategic hedging, which OpenEP implemented together with its customers through adapted procurement strategies. One major success was the complete decentralisation of the grid structure, whereby OpenEP now acts as an independent energy supplier and service provider. The company increased its operating income and exceeded expectations. The solid capital structure and a strong focus on the core business, aided by the outsourcing of non-core tasks, contributed to efficiency.

2014/15

OpenEP was founded in September 2014 as an independent organisation from the procurement department of Erdgas Ostschweiz AG (EGO). The main objective was ‘legal unbundling’, i.e. the legal separation of gas infrastructure from gas trading, in order to prepare for the liberalisation of the gas market.

The first financial year went better than expected. Operating costs were reimbursed by customers according to a clear model. A key focus for the future was market development and adapting to new customer requirements. In addition, the company was certified in accordance with ISO 9001 in its first year. In addition, the transfer of the EGO shares to the EGO shareholders took place in 2015, making OpenEP a sister company of EGO.