The energy transition is leading to a profound transformation of the energy sector, one that particularly affects municipal utilities. Their role is undergoing a fundamental shift: They are evolving from traditional energy suppliers into infrastructure service providers that intelligently integrate electricity, heat, mobility, and data. As central points of contact and knowledge holder for the local energy transition, they connect local stakeholders, offer their customers new services and consulting options, and deploy flexibility technologies to an increasingly decentralized energy system. Their portfolio is becoming broader, more digital, and more interconnected. In this context, decarbonization is not limited solely to the defossilization of the energy supply but describes the comprehensive further development of organization, competencies, and business models that enables municipal utilities to actively shape the local energy transition.
To support municipal utilities in this transformation using a systematic and holistic approach, “Roadmap.SW” develops field-tested methods and materials. With their help, municipal utilities can quickly and systematically assess their current status and derive concrete areas of action and measures from it.
Maturity assessment to identify areas for action
The first step in any transformation is a systematic assessment of the current state. To this end, the project developed the “SW.Check” maturity model specifically for municipal utilities. It operates on the basis of a questionnaire: An online self-assessment evaluates the capabilities that characterize a utility with future viability – the so-called “Municipal utility of the future.” The results include both an overall maturity level – calculated as the average of all assessed capabilities – and differentiated sub-maturity levels for each application area (sales, procurement and administration, energy generation, power grids) and focus area (decarbonization, digitalization, overarching organizational factors). This detailed analysis makes it possible to identify patterns, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and specifically identify and prioritize areas for action – ideally as part of a joint workshop.
Derive actions and compile them into a roadmap
As the project progressed, specific measures were developed that aim at improving individual or multiple capabilities identified in the assessment. These measures are documented in fact sheets and can be filtered according to various criteria. This allows municipal utilities to select appropriate implementation steps for their specific situation and bring them into a roadmap.
Developed and tested in collaboration with municipal utilities
Practical applicability was a central focus throughout the entire project. All capabilities included in the maturity model, as well as their gradations, were discussed and validated in collaboration with municipal utilities. Through the municipal utility network ASEW and the Ideenstadtwerke as project partners, the municipal utility perspective was continuously incorporated into the development process. The complete assessment—including evaluation, identification of action areas, and roadmapping – was applied in three pilot municipal utilities. The feedback gained from this was directly incorporated into the revision and further development of the assessment.
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT