Stadtwerke Aalen: Deficit surprisingly drops to 16.9 million euros!

Stadtwerke Aalen: Deficit surprisingly drops to 16.9 million euros!

Aalen, Deutschland - The Stadtwerke Aalen are facing a drastic turn. On June 25, 2025, the Supervisory Board met and presented a revised forecast for the deficit in 2024. This was corrected from originally 25 million euros to 16.9 million euros. This positive news is the result of a comprehensive review of the financial situation by the new managing director Michael Schäfer and the support of an external auditor company. As the Schwäbische Post , the examination was initiated at the reason for the mayor Frederick Brütting to clarify the massive losses in 2023 and 2024.

The correction of the deficit is based in particular on reimbursements in electricity and energy tax in the amount of 2.5 million euros and an adapted assessment of sales. Brütting emphasized that the original numbers were communicated as cautious forecasts. Nevertheless, ex-boss Christoph Trautmann expresses doubts as to whether the new forecast of 16.9 million euros can actually be observed and criticizes possible errors of the experts.

on the way to consolidation

Stadtwerke Aalen GmbH, now under the direction of Michael Schäfer, pursues the goal of consolidating the company sustainably. An important measure was the decision of the municipal council of April 7, 2025 to hold the municipal utilities in a municipal hand. A comprehensive strategy paper for the renovation of the municipal utility is expected until July 2025. One of the main problems are deficits in the organization and deficiencies in energy procurement that were recognized until November 2024 and led to the massive losses.

The support from the city of Aalen is also planned, with a support package of 25 million euros, which will be discussed in May 2025. This package includes savings in the household and the sale of properties to put the municipal utilities on more stable feet. The planned reopening of the customer information center in the city center should also contribute to customer loyalty and improve the services.

energy prices: an inconsistent terrain

In the context of the current challenges, a look at the general development of energy prices makes sense. The study by EY emphasizes that Stadtwerke is in a difficult location, especially due to the increasing energy prices that have not been compensable since 2023 pull. The increasing costs have illustrated the need to transform and adapt the energy supply sustainably. There are decisive questions about investments in gas networks and the integration of renewable energies.

The creation of a regulatory framework could be crucial here to ensure long -term planning security for the municipal utilities. It is important that cities and municipalities actively involve the development of sustainable energy supply structures and leave them design scope.

The Stadtwerke Aalen therefore have a decent piece of work in front of them. With a clear plan for consolidation and a new strategy in the luggage, the upcoming transformation could be achieved in order to be better up to the challenges of the energy market in the future.