The Company continues its strategic development and manages the energy challenges with plan and efficiency. From the Development Program 2021 - 2025 of EDA THESS amounting to € 158.2 mil., that submitted for approval to the Regulatory Energy Authority, € 96.8 mil. refer to the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki and € 61.4 mil. to the Region of Thessaly. The new program creates new growth prospects, making EDA THESS a leader in the Greek energy market.
The strategy of the program is based on financial, technical, and environmental factors that guarantee the Company’s strong growth. It is structured according to the following main strategic pillars: Increasing the penetration of natural gas, expanding and reinforcing the distribution network, moving towards the digital transformation of the Company and implementing efficient investments to ensure fair return to the shareholders.
KEY POINTS
*Increase of the penetration rate of natural gas in the License areas to 77% from the current 64%.
*Investments of € 141.1 million related to the development, reinforcement of infrastructures of the gas distribution network and the connection of 90,350 new consumers.
*€ 8.8 million investments in IT systems, new technologies and other business requirements, aiming to the digital transformation of the company through the digitization of processes for data security and optimization of the provided services. The project will reduce operating costs and increase the return on investment.
* € 8.3 million for the implementation of a complete installation plan of 136 thousand smart meters and the development of smart metering systems. EDA THESS, investing in advanced telemetry technologies, aims to optimize the services provided, to more secure Distribution Networks through the rapid detection of theft / damage / leakage and to the rational use of natural gas through the improvement of consumer behavior.
* Dividend policy with fair and stable return to shareholders that guarantees dividend distribution annually.
* Providing optional services to other operators and dissemination of know-how.
* Methane emission reduction program with the introduction of new technologies and collaboration with European Operators, in the context of the prevention of leaks in the Distribution Network. The project enhances the security level of the distribution network and reduces maintenance costs.
* Ensuring the sustainability of investments in natural gas infrastructure, in the context of Energy Transition and dealing with Climate Change. EDA THESS, with its participation in the European Organization GD4S, contributes to the development of Policies and the Regulatory Framework for the support of renewable gases (biomethane, hydrogen) in the Distribution Networks.
In the Region of Thessaly the network will be extended to the areas: Municipality of Volos: Alykes and Dimini, Municipality of Larisa: Falani, Municipality of Farkadona: Farkadona and Municipality of Killerer: Halki, Platykampos, Galini and Melissochori.
For the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki, the following areas will be included in the network: Municipality of Thermaikos: Mesimeri, Municipality of Thermi: Kato Scholari, Municipality of Delta: N. Malgara, Kymina and Anatoliko, Municipality of Volvi: Stavros and Asprovalta, Municipality of Chalkidona: Agios Athanasios, Chalkidona, Gefyra and Vathilakos, Municipality of Oreokastro: Liti, Drymos, Melissochori, Pentalofos and Neochorouda, Municipality of Lagadas: Lagyna, Sochos and Zagliveri.
The investment plan, in line with the objectives of ESEK, aims at the further contribution of the Company to the reduction of pollutant emissions and the protection of the environment.
GOALS WERE ACHIEVED
The General Manager of the Company, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras stated that "it is an ambitious Sustainable Investment Program amounting to € 158.2 million for the development of the natural gas market in Thessaloniki and Thessaly, which includes approved figures and reasonable assumptions following the regulatory decisions taken by the Authority. At the heart of the strategy is the digital transformation of the Company's operations, an ongoing process, and the investment in innovative technologies that will enable the transition to the decarbonization of the energy system and the integration of renewable gases.
Achieving business goals at 100% for 2020. EDA THESS completes its investment plan for the year amounting to € 36 million, adding more than 22,000 new consumers to its network and with operating profitability (EBITDA) which is expected to reach € 42.9 million, increased by 3.37% compared to 2019.
Given the effects of the pandemic, EDA THESS took effective decisions to ensure its uninterrupted operation and to provide high-level services to consumers with safety and responsibility. The strong results, presented by the Company throughout the year, guarantee the continuity of a dynamic course for a sustainable future. With all the assets for managing emergency situations, EDA THESS continues its strategic planning for the next 5 years at a rapid pace.
