New record level of investments in Berlin's electricity grid
15.02.2017
At EUR 209 million, more money is being invested in Berlin's energy distribution grid in 2017 than ever before in the history of Berlin's electricity grid.
At EUR 209 million, more money is being invested in Berlin's energy distribution grid in 2017 than ever before in the history of Berlin's electricity grid. This was announced by Stromnetz Berlin GmbH at their annual press conference today. At EUR 111 million a little more than half the funds are going towards the maintenance and modernisation of the electricity grid. EUR 98 million are being poured into the necessary expansion of the grid due to the city's growth, and into further digitalisation and preparation for the deployment of intelligent meters.
A significant reason for another year-on-year increase in investments is the growth of the city, and the construction work this implies. EUR 45 million are earmarked for extensions to the grid and new grid connections. A further EUR 11 million are earmarked for site clearance and other construction measures. "The city's growth is increasingly the principle factor that shapes our work," explains power grid manager Thomas Schäfer. "Combined with digitalisation, this growth means a further increase in the level of investment needed."
Schäfer stresses the balance within the huge total investment. "About half the money is going into the grid here and now, ensuring security of supply. The other half is investment in the digital future of the growing city." An aspect that will be further emphasised in 2017 is the involvement of the public in the energy transition of the Berlin electricity grid. "In 2017 we want to place greater emphasis on direct involvement in the energy transition, and we are again looking for people who want to work on the electricity grid customer advisory board. In addition, we will improve the terms for home-produced power projects."