Cologne's municipal utility: record profits and alarming losses!

Cologne's municipal utility: record profits and alarming losses!

Köln, Deutschland - Stadtwerke Köln (SWK) generated an impressive sales volume of 10.8 billion euros in 2023. The company thus remains the largest municipal group of companies in Germany and offers over 15,000 jobs. A gratifying annual surplus of 88 million euros could be recorded from which 50 million euros will be paid to the city of Cologne, such as koeln.de . This balance is a positive contrast to the challenges that are caused by the energy crisis and the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

In waste management is also movement: the waste management company Cologne (AWB) has increased its turnover from 201.3 million euros to 209.9 million euros. However, profit from EUR 22.0 million dropped to 17.2 million euros. The residual waste increased by 4,300 tons to 232,700 tons. Progress was also made through street cleaning: 9,340 kilometers were cleaned, 20 kilometers more than in the previous year.

profits and investments

The development of the ports and freight traffic Cologne (HGK) is particularly gratifying, which can come up with a record profit of 20.1 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 46 percent. The turnover grew by 2.9 million euros to 83.1 million euros. Part of this profit is invested in the reserves, while 11.6 million euros are paid to the municipal utilities. The HGK shows how the variety of business areas contributes to the financial stability of the entire group of companies.

With a view to the future, Stadtwerke Cologne plans to invest around 10 billion euros by 2035. These investments should primarily benefit the infrastructure, the networks and IT technology. In a constantly changing energy market, it is crucial to invest in renewable energies and innovative technologies. Stadtwerke like SWK is faced with the task of adapting to new regulations, such as the amendment to the gas internal market guideline, which presents the industry with strategic challenges, such as Ey.com shown.

The views for the next few years

The Cologne baths are less pleasing towards each other. The annual loss grew from 19.5 million euros to 22.1 million euros, with a number of visitors of 2.9 million. In 2025, another loss of 24 million euros will be forecast, which underlines the need of 22.3 million euros in investments for realignment in the Agrippabad. The water area expansion in the lent park also costs 15 million euros.

The Stadtwerke Köln not only remain an important employer, but also a committed training company. At the end of 2023, 15,170 employees and 571 trainees were counted in 41. This development shows that despite the challenges, a positive signal is set for the future.

While the Stadtwerke is preparing for the challenges of energy supply and the necessary investments, the question remains how the changes in energy policy help or harm municipal companies. The competition for the best strategies and concepts will continue to be crucial to maintain the positive development.