Stromnetz is looking for a customer advisory board - all Berliners aged 16 or over can apply
17.09.2014
Applications open today for the new customer advisory board at Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, the operator of the capital's distribution grid. The invitation to apply for the panel is open to anyone who is resident in Berlin and is at least 16 years old, with applications closing on 31 October 2014.
Applications open today for the new customer advisory board at Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, the operator of the capital's distribution grid. The invitation to apply for the panel is open to anyone who is resident in Berlin and is at least 16 years old, with applications closing on 31 October 2014. The three-year term would involve attending three meetings a year to discuss all kinds of topics relating to the Berlin electricity distribution grid; if you would like to be considered for the position, you can apply straight away at www.stromnetz.berlin/kundenbeirat.
Dr Helmar Rendez, Chair of the Management Board at Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, promises that company management will personally review all of the ideas suggested by the customer advisory board. "Even though our customer satisfaction surveys get excellent results, it doesn't mean that we can't do anything to improve even further. This gives us the chance to hear our customers' suggestions, and we are very much looking forward to it," says Rendez on the company's motives for launching the board.
As well as promoting transparency and a better understanding of the Berlin electricity supply, the official duties of the advisory board also include identifying areas for improvement in customer service. In addition, the customer advisory board will be free to address suggestions on all further aspects of the Berlin electricity distribution grid.
By launching the customer advisory board, the company is responding to the desire for a greater degree of co-decision and participation in electricity supply matters, which is shared by a number of Berlin residents. During workshops with customers and energy industry experts held early this year, many participants expressed the wish for an advisory board. The board is expected to start work later this year, or in the first quarter of 2015 at the latest. There will be up to 24 members. Ideally, all 12 of the Berlin districts will be represented by at least one member. As far as possible, the company also wants the board to reflect the diversity of the residents living in the city on the Spree. This is why, when filling out the application, hopefuls are asked to supply information on their age, profession and reasons for applying, as well as the usual contact information.
Members of the customer advisory board are not paid, but they receive an annual expense allowance of €50. In order to enable board members with young children to attend the meetings, Stromnetz Berlin will arrange free childcare while meetings are held. Moreover, board members will have the exclusive opportunity to take part in visits to important facilities that form an essential part of the electricity grid's infrastructure.