Ready-made heat instead of your own heating - this is the idea behind heat contracting. Stadtwerke Gießen is now offering this service, which is popular with owners of detached houses, for buildings with several flats. And no longer just in the traditional supply area, but also in neighbouring municipalities.
Many homeowners are aware that they need to modernise the heat supply to their property. This is because they are operating systems that consume far too much fuel due to their age. In fact, around 40 per cent of all active heating systems in Germany went into operation more than 20 years ago. Despite this, comparatively little is happening - especially in the rental property sector. This is understandable to a certain extent. After all, refurbishing heating systems means comparatively high costs.
Against the backdrop of the energy transition, this modernisation backlog is proving to be an untenable situation. This is because significant progress in emissions is needed, especially in the heating sector, in order to achieve the ambitious climate targets.
This is precisely where Stadtwerke Gießen's heat contracting programme comes in. "With Wärme direkt, we enable homeowners to modernise their heating without having to invest," explains Michael Rösner, Head of Sales for Private and Commercial Customers at SWG. As part of this contracting service, the energy experts from the SWG customer centre on Marktplatz take care of everything related to the new heating system - from planning and construction to operation. Of course, maintenance and servicing are also part of the complete package. Customers pay a fixed monthly amount for the system and its operation over a period of usually 15 years. Only the costs for the heat actually consumed are added to this. "We attach great importance to transparency in both the calculation and the billing," promises Michael Rösner.
Interesting for landlords
Until now, SWG contracting was only available for single-family homes. However, the offer is now also available for buildings with several flats. "Because there is such a great need for action, we have extended our service to apartment blocks," adds Michael Rösner, "and landlords can also benefit from the many advantages of contracting." Take reliability, for example: first of all, a new heating system works much more reliably than a 20-year-old model. But even in the unlikely event that the tenants are left in the cold because the heating goes on strike, quick action is required. Anyone who has opted for direct heating can simply sit back in such a situation. Because repairs are the responsibility of SWG. "Of course, we guarantee a prompt solution if a problem arises," emphasises Michael Rösner. Contracting also scores points when it comes to money. This is because the monthly instalments can be passed on in full. Last but not least, the tenants are usually better off financially. After all, the new heating system saves a lot of energy, which has a positive impact on their heating costs. And, of course, CO2 emissions.
Regional teamwork
SWG works closely with the Giessen Guild for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology (Innung für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik Gießen), which is based here, and enables all member companies to participate. SWG always acts as a contractual partner for its customers and commissions the installation companies. Of course, all companies are considered equally. "We naturally respect existing business relationships," assures Michael Rösner. In other words, house and yard installers from the guild who have been trusted by customers for many years are awarded the contract. "This cooperation with local businesses is extremely important to us," Michael Rösner summarises. "In this way, we keep the added value in the region and the distances short. The latter protects the environment and ensures short response times."
Increased radius of action
In addition to the expansion to apartment blocks, SWG has also expanded its heat contracting in other areas: Previously, it was only open to owners whose properties were located in the traditional natural gas primary supply area. Now SWG can also offer heat directly in neighbouring municipalities - for example in Biebertal, Butzbach, Langgöns, Hungen, Lich, Wettenberg and several others.
Because heat contracting is primarily about cost-effectiveness, every detail counts. That's why the specialists always arrange an appointment to get a precise picture of the situation on site and then submit a customised, favourable offer. To arrange an appointment and, of course, for further information, the advisors are available on the SWG service number 0800 2302100. Of course, interested parties can also send an e-mail stating their telephone number for further enquiries: energieberatung@stadtwerke-giessen.de