Swisscom and Repower join forces for intelligent power grids

Energy consumption in Switzerland is set to rise in the long term. However, the capacities of existing power plants are limited and hardly any power storage facilities currently exist that can compensate for the production fluctuations that are particularly common in new renewable energies. Founded in September 2012, Swisscom Energy Solutions Ltd offers an alternative for the provision of vitally necessary system services (balancing energy). It links individual customers' electrical heating systems such as heat pumps, off-peak storage heaters and water boilers to form a kind of virtual power plant. Swisscom Energy Solutions can then coordinate and temporarily switch these connected systems on or off in order to be able to provide system services.

Repower is joining Swisscom Energy Solutions Ltd and will hold a 35% stake in the company. Both parties have agreed to not disclose the size of the investment. With its distinctive expertise and deeply-rooted presence in Switzerland, Repower is an ideal partner for Swisscom Energy Solutions. The company has a service area with a high density of suitable systems, providing a sound basis for the virtual power plant, and can, when necessary, supplement the capacities of Swisscom Energy Solutions' virtual power plant with its hydropower plants.

Launch in Southeast Switzerland to be followed by nationwide offering
Private households within Repower's service area will be able to benefit from the innovative offerings as early as this quarter. Participation is free for customers and Repower will actively invite those with suitable systems to participate within the next few weeks.

If experiences gained in Southeast Switzerland are positive, Swisscom Energy Solutions will market the offer nationwide. Potential participants from anywhere in Switzerland, regardless of their place of residence, can already sign up for this innovative heating control system at be-smart.ch.

Providing balancing energy through virtual power plants is an efficient and economic alternative to conventional means of production and Swisscom Energy Solutions is making a vital contribution toward grid stability and the future of energy in Switzerland with this innovative method.

Media Contact:
Sepp Huber Head of Media, Relations Media spokesperson Tel. +41 58 221 98 04 Fax: +41 58 221 81 53 E-Mail: media@swisscom.com

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