Quality of life in the Greater Vienna metropolitan area is dependent on reliable supplies of electricity, gas and heating. Two million people put their trust in Wien Energie – and for good reason. As the largest energy service provider in Austria, we are well aware of the responsibility we bear. Our strategy is one which pursues long-term security of supply, increased local production capacity and an extended range of energy services.

Wien Energie invests in the future – EUR 284.9m were invested in tangible assets in 2007/2008. The modernisation and expansion of the cogeneration power station Simmering 1/2 will involve the investment of around EUR 300m. In winter 2008/2009, Simmering 1/2 will supply approximately 800,000 households and more than 7,000 commercial customers with electrical power as well as supplying nearly 200,000 households with heating. We are now able to supply around 75% of our customers with energy which we generate ourselves. As a result, Wien Energie has increased its independence from international electricity markets and is also foresightedly meeting growing demand for energy. As one of the most modern and efficient of its kind in Europe, this power station also plays an important role in protecting the environment.

A total of EUR 30m was also invested in the period under review in the modernisation of the transformer stations at Simmering and Schwechat which were commissioned in late 2008. Both facilities ensure and improve quality of supply and are the basis for reliable energy supplies, particularly to the fast-expanding commercial zone alongside the motorway to the airport. Vienna enjoys security of supply of 99.99%, and we assume that the regulatory authorities will take into account our massive efforts to expand and renew our networks.

Increases in efficiency and network expansion form one aspect of our success strategy. We are also increasing our use of renewable energy sources and currently produce over 500 gigawatt hours a year from wind and solar and other alternative energy sources. We are also forging ahead with the expansion of the district heating network and are investing in innovative building air conditioning systems based on district cooling. And we are leading by example: our own fleet of vehicles is being converted to run on low-emission natural gas.

Wien Energie is acting sustainably rather than focusing on short-term profits; long-term success is our objectives. We aim to keep existing and win new customers; for this reason we are building on our pioneering position in the field of customer service and in the area of energy advice both in the private and the business sectors. Over 270 personnel currently work in the area of customer services. For Wien Energie, service means being there for our customers’ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We will expand our energy efficiency services in the coming years: For good advice on efficient use of energy and alternatives is in the interests of the environment and customers’ finances. The motto for Wien Energie is the following:
The cheapest and most environmentally friendly kilowatt hour is the one you don’t need.

Despite the difficult circumstances prevailing during the period under review, it was possible to increase consolidated turnover by 15.5% to EUR 2,258.7m. The profits after taxes of EUR 77.7m, represent a sound basis to continue forward in pursuit of our objectives: consolidating and increasing security of supply, environmental compatibility and competitiveness.

Wien Energie is well equipped for the years ahead. Particularly, given that we have 5,441 outstanding personnel that we can rely on. The success of Wien Energie is largely founded on their ceaseless commitment and untiring efforts.
Thank you!

Vienna, December 2008

Erich Haider
Friedrich Pink
Robert Grüneis