How does Westnetz ensure the lights stay on and the gas flows in a vast region of western Germany? Westnetz GmbH, headquartered right here in Dortmund, is the largest energy distribution network operator in western Germany. It plays a vital role in keeping our modern lives running smoothly.
Westnetz plans, builds, and operates the electricity, natural gas, water, and broadband networks that serve North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Lower Saxony. As a subsidiary of Westenergie AG and part of the E.ON Group, Westnetz is deeply embedded in the region’s infrastructure. The company’s story stretches back over a century, rooted in the network history of RWE and VEW. Westnetz emerged from five RWE Group companies. These predecessors included Rhein-Ruhr Verteilnetz, Westfalen-Weser-Ems Verteilnetz, and related Netzservice and Kundenservice entities.
Founded on January 1, 2013, Westnetz underwent a transformation to become an independent distribution network operator. This evolution aligned with the third EU energy market package. Initially part of the RWE Group and then Innogy, Westnetz became a fully-owned subsidiary of Westenergie on October 1, 2020. The company’s headquarters are located in the former Telekom high-rise in Dortmund.
Westnetz manages an extensive network. It oversees 175,000 kilometers of electrical lines and approximately 24,000 kilometers of gas pipes. Imagine the scale of this infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy for millions. Roughly 7,000 employees work tirelessly to guarantee the people in Westnetz’s supply area have round-the-clock access to energy and fast internet.
To improve service request handling, Westnetz partnered with IBM Consulting to develop the Grid Care mobile app. This consolidated maintenance platform, accessible via Apple devices, equips field technicians with iPhones and iPads. Technicians can quickly access work orders, maps, circuit diagrams, and maintenance manuals through a single interface. This access speeds up response times.
The Grid Care app also streamlines dispatching. During outages or emergencies, nearby technicians receive immediate notifications, enabling swift responses before returning to planned maintenance. Developed initially by the IBM Garage team as part of the IBM Apple Partnership, Grid Care simplifies file transfers and supports offline data access. With Grid Care, each Westnetz field technician completes one more job per day on average. This results in a 10% increase in productivity. Centralized document access helps users find needed information quickly and easily. This efficiency boosts the first-time fix rate for repairs.
Moreover, the solution proactively maintains offline copies of work orders and grid map data. This ensures repair and maintenance efforts continue smoothly even during network outages or in remote areas. The intuitive interface allows Westnetz to easily supplement its technician pool with temporary staff or third-party contractors during peak demand. Westnetz is committed to a secure energy supply. It is a vital part of the energy landscape in western Germany.