Feistritzwerke STEWEAG GmbH and Stadtwerke Gleisdorf GmbH are helping to shape the energetic change in Eastern Styria. From sustainable investments to intelligent grids, they rely on innovation and regional responsibility. Managing Director Erich Rybar, about challenges, solutions and visions.
WEIZ/HARTBERG-FÜRSTENFELD. 2024 was a year full of innovations and challenges for Feistritzwerke and Gleisdorf municipal utilities. A lot has been implemented, from the expansion of the electricity network to enable the energy transition, the fiber optic network to ensure access to the global network even in peripheral areas, district heating and the modernization of the water network – and 2025 has even more in store.
Investments in the future
2024 was a year of major developments for Feistritzwerke and the Gleisdorf public utility company. With an investment sum of 46 million euros, the expansion of the electricity network and fiber optic network was raised to a new level. “Our infrastructure must last for generations. This is not a short-term decision, but a responsibility for the future,” explains Erich Rybar, managing director of the group.
Another focus is on finalizing the installation of smart meters, which not only increases transparency for customers, but also enables targeted billing and flexible tariffs. “It's about directing consumption to where energy is cheaper and thus reducing costs for the end customer. This is not surveillance, but a tool,” emphasizes Rybar.
The expansion of district heating was also a central topic: 1.4 kilometers of pipes were newly laid. This investment not only benefits the environment, but also strengthens regional value creation by involving local companies and producers.
Between storms and innovations
2024 was also marked by challenges. Two storm disasters – the flood on the Lafnitz and the storm Anette in the Pöllauertal – require teams to react quickly. “Our employees have once again proven how important local structures are. We were able to intervene quickly and efficiently, which is a big advantage over centralized solutions,” praises Rybar.
“The feed-in power of photovoltaic systems has increased fivefold since 2019 to 150 MW.” And we are still far from reaching the goal of almost 400 MW feed-in power in the Feistritzwerke supply area. In order for our network to be able to handle this, we will need intelligent solutions, so-called smart grids, in the future.”
Digitalization and sustainability
Digitalization plays a key role in the energy supply of the future. The smart meters are just the beginning. “Network control is becoming increasingly complex. It is no longer enough to simply distribute electricity. We have to be able to react to changes in production and consumption at any time,” says Rybar.
By expanding the fiber optic network, Feistritzwerke is creating the basis for this new world. “This infrastructure is a central component in meeting increasing requirements. We are not just thinking about small areas, but also large projects that cover the supply of the entire Eastern Styria, i.e. the Feistritzwerke supply area, as comprehensively as possible.”
Infrastructure for generations
Further major investments are also planned for 2025. Around 200 kilometers of power lines are to be replaced or replaced. be re-established. In this context, many switchgear systems are being converted to remote maintenance. This is essential in order to be able to react quickly and safely even in crisis situations, as demonstrated by Storm Annette in 2024.
One of the milestones was the completion of the 20kV line between Pöllau and Hartberg in 2024, which will improve security of supply throughout the region. “Our DNA is designed to think ahead. We are now planting the infrastructure that our grandchildren will still use.”
In addition, the group of companies is planning further steps to strengthen regional value creation. Particularly in the area of district heating, sustainable, locally anchored solutions continue to be used.
Creative power and responsibility
Erich Rybar has been a driving force behind the developments of the Feistritzwerke and Stadtwerke Gleisdorf for many years. His passion for renewable energy and regional solutions has deep roots. “I already dealt with biomass district heating plants during my studies. “Today I have the opportunity to implement these ideas on a large scale for the benefit of our region,” he says enthusiastically.
He is particularly proud of the balance between innovation and responsibility. “The world is changing, and if we are not prepared to change, we will not be able to meet the challenges. Our goal is to create sustainable solutions that will last in the long term.”
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