BKW FMB Energy Ltd Annual Report 2003

Energy Sales and Procurement
Energy sales up one quarter
In 2003, BKW sold a total of 44,236 GWh, over 25 percent more
electricity than the previous year (34,840 GWh). International sales
and trading performed particularly well. BKW remains committed
to its proven energy mix.
Favourable sales and production
conditions
In conjunction with its distribution partners,
BKW continued to offer the same
high quality of power supply as in 2002,
delivering a total of 6,708 GWh to end
customers in the private, industrial, commercial
and service sectors and increasing
electricity sales year-on-year by 2.2
percent. In so doing, BKW scored a new
record, exceeding the previous best result
achieved in 2001. This achievement is all
the more remarkable given the fact that
the Swiss economy was still struggling
in 2003. The cold spell at the beginning
of the year, coupled with the hot summer
months, had a positive impact on sales due
to higher electricity consumption and an
increased discharge of glacier runoff into
alpine reservoirs operated by BKW partners.
As a result, a larger volume of water
was available for electricity production
than the previous year.
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Consolidation of international
position
In 2003 BKW consolidated its position in
foreign markets, responding rapidly and
fl exibly to international market requirements
on the strength of its production
plant and purchasing options. Traderelated
sales rose year-on-year by 26
percent to 32,063 GWh (2002: 25,483
GWh). Trading on energy exchanges
in Germany, France and Austria as well
as energy exports to Italy gained in importance.
Day trading and deliveries to
resellers and distribution partners were
also stepped up. And BKW more than
doubled international sales to a total of
4,437 GWh.
Successful supply mix
In 2003, electricity production in BKW’s
own plants and partner plants increased
year-on-year by 4.4 percent to 3,915 GWh
(2002: 3,751 GWh). Electricity generated
by nuclear power plants, including purchase
contracts, rose slightly to 5,786
GWh. Of this, the Mühleberg nuclear
power plant produced 2,749 GWh: an average
output measured over the past few
years, despite the production cut-back
imposed by cantonal regulations governing
water licences as a result of high water
temperatures in the River Aare during the
summer months. Trade-related purchases
of electricity rose by 36.3 percent to
34,521 GWh (2002: 25,330 GWh). As in
previous years, fault-free production coupled
with electricity procurement through
long-term purchase contracts constituted
key elements in BKW’s successful business
performance.