Optimisation

The merger of Atel and EOS to create Alpiq made 2009 an exceptional year. Liberalisation of the energy market, with new regulations governing ancillary services and balance group management, presented additional challenges. The ancillary services market allows the grid operator to purchase electricity from generators and use this energy to top up transmission capacity and ensure grid stability at all times.

Maximising the value of the energy portfolio: a key task

The financial crisis had a major impact on commodity markets and sparked off severe fluctuations in electricity prices. Lower energy prices than in 2008 put pressure on the Swiss portfolio in relation to international energy prices. To address these new boundary conditions for the Swiss market, a new Optimisation business unit was created. The main task of the new organisation is to work hand in hand with the Asset Trader unit to maximise the value of the Swiss energy portfolio. Alpiq's new trading system is to be introduced in 2010, and the company will vigorously pursue its performance targets.