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Contracting and operations management
Relief for system operators
Rising energy prices and European and national climate protection policies are prompting a gradual switch to renewable energies for the supply of heat, cooling, and electricity. Contracting models are a simple, cost-effective way for municipalities, companies, healthcare facilities, and proprietors of residential and commercial properties to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, lower energy costs, and implement sustainable energy solutions.

Find out more about the different contracting models and how energielenker can assist with their implementation as a contractor.
What is contracting?
Contracting is a specific form of contractual management used in the energy supply sector. In contracting, an energy supplier or specialized service provider takes over selected energy services, which can range from the planning, installation, and implementation of energy efficiency measures to operations management and maintenance for energy systems. The core of the business is usually the outsourcing of investments for the construction or modernization of energy systems. This means that customers do not have to make any investments themselves. Instead, they pay contractually agreed prices for the energy used or fees for the provision of the plant systems.
What contracting models exist?
There are now many different types of contracting.
These include:
- Energy supply contracting
- Energy savings performance contracting
- Operations management
- Photovoltaic contracting
- Charging infrastructure contracting
- Neighborhood contracting
Energy supply contracting
Energy supply contracting is contracting in its classic form.
The contractor finances, builds or refurbishes and operates the power generation system and supplies the customer with the desired useful energy (heat, cooling, electricity, etc.). The customer is not required to make any investments, is relieved of all tasks related to energy procurement and operations management, and also benefits from energy and cost efficiency thanks to energy prices that allow long-term calculability.
Energy supply contracting is a suitable option for both existing properties and new buildings and generally employs highly efficient state-of-the-art technology and renewable energy.
Energy savings performance contracting
In addition to efficient power generation, the focus of energy savings performance contracting is on reducing energy consumption. For this purpose, savings potential is first identified in the areas of power generation, building services, and the building envelope. The contractor then implements the energy-efficient renovation measures derived from this step. The customer in turn finances these measures from the verified energy cost savings.
Operations management
Operations management models are a viable option for customers who have invested or wish to invest in their power generation systems and building services themselves. The purpose of having a customer’s system operated by a professional service provider is to optimize the security of supply as well as energy and cost efficiency.
The scope of services here offers a high level of customization, including tasks related to technical management, energy purchasing, and commercial/administrative processing.
Technical management
The aim of technical management is to ensure smooth, efficient, and orderly plant operation. This includes monitoring regular maintenance and repair work as well as tracking recurring mandatory inspections and official requirements. In addition, customers can also opt for consulting on optimizing their energy supply concept with respect to energy efficiency, security of supply, and cost savings.
Commercialmanagement
In the case of commercial energy services, the contractor takes charge of all the tasks and obligations of proper commercial management down to the comprehensive outsourcing of services to power generation companies.
Energy purchasing and sales, applications for energy and electricity tax refunds, and costing and financing investment projects are also included in this type of operations management.
Photovoltaic contracting
Photovoltaic contracting allows the implementation of a decentralized, climate-friendly, and affordable power supply. The contractor installs a PV system on the roof or open space provided by the customer and then takes charge of its operation. This relieves the customer of the initial investments and technical operation. Furthermore, the property owner and/or tenants also benefit, as they can use the electricity generated themselves.
Charging infrastructure contracting
Charging infrastructure contracting is an opportunity for companies, municipalities, and site owners to provide their employees, residents, or customers with charging facilities for electric vehicles without having to make any investments or be responsible for operating the charging stations. It also promotes the expansion of the charging network as a whole, further establishing electromobility.
Neighborhood contracting
Contracting solutions for entire neighborhoods and districts require integrated solutions that bundle various energy systems and services in order to ensure the efficient and intelligent supply and utilization of energy.
The aim here is to realize a sustainable and holistic energy supply for a neighborhood. For modern urban neighborhoods, a service package encompassing the planning, construction, and operations management of a networked infrastructure is an ideal solution. In addition to the supply of heat, this also includes tenant electricity offers, the provision of a charging infrastructure, LoRaWAN networks and more IoT solutions.
The advantages of contracting
Still need convincing? Here you can find all the advantages of contracting at a glance:
- No investments and operator risks
- Supply of energy at guaranteed qualities, quantities, and prices
- Use of state-of-the-art, highly efficient technology and renewable energy
- Improved system efficiency and security of supply
- Reduced electricity and heating costs
- Economically optimized system operation
- Relief from technical and administrative tasks
- No additional personnel costs
- High degree of planning and cost security
- Possible real estate appreciation
Our services
Would you like to exploit the PV potential on your property, or are you planning to set up a charging infrastructure or modernize your heat generation plant? We will be happy to advise you on the best contracting solution for your project and take full charge of the technical implementation, financing, and ongoing operations. As a reliable partner, energielenker will accompany you in your process of transformation towards greater sustainability and energy efficiency. Benefit from our experience as a system operator and place the operation of your power generation system in professional hands. Our contracting solutions for your energy supply include:
- Technical and commercial management
- System monitoring with the aid of the process monitor
- Photovoltaic contracting
- Tenant power contracting
- Energy supply contracting
- Energy savings performance contracting
- Neighborhood contracting
- Charging infrastructure contracting with energielenker invest
- Introduction of an energy management system
The energielenker contracting portfolio
We operate central heating plants, CHP plants, and district heating networks throughout Germany and reliably supply our customers with heat, steam, cooling, and electricity.
21 locations
Electrical output 5 MW
Power generation of 30 GWh
Thermal output 30 MW
Heat generation 38 GWh
24 CHPs with 20 to 800 kW
Nurseries, hospitals, universities, residential homes, heating networks, …