Energy services - A new concept for electric utilities

Since 1979 the promotion of efficient use and application of energy is a further stratetic target of Elektra Birseck, Munchenstein (EBM), which is a medium sized swiss electric utility. To reach this goal, EBM has diversified in district heating. In regions with a high density of heat consumption, EBM supplies the heat with district heating. The base consumption is covered with cogeneration plants, the peak consumption with conventional boilers. The electricity produced by the cogeneration plants is transported by the existing electric grid into regions with a low density of heat consumption in order to use it for running electric heat pumps. In comparision to other systems heat pumps allow to use most renewable energy at lowest cost. However, the realisation of our concept is handicaped by several economical and psychological obstacles. First of all there is to solve the conflict between the economical and environmental interests. With our advice-service and our concepts of heat supply specifically planned for the individual customer we are able to diminish these difficulties. Heat supply and operating management of heat systems by EBM mean many financial, administrative, technical and ecological advantages for the customers.