Intelligence in the Power Network: New Standards in Energy Management
Interview with Marijan Valic, Managing Director of Berg GmbH
How can the energy transition be concretely advanced? Berg GmbH, based in Martinsried, Bavaria, demonstrates this with a clear approach: managing energy efficiently, reducing costs, and utilizing new technologies sensibly. The company combines decades of experience with digital innovation – from IoT solutions to cloud systems, and systems for energy management and load controlling, as well as charging management for electromobility: a prime example of how practical relevance and technology can work effectively together.
Berg GmbH demonstrates how medium-sized businesses can actively shape the energy transition. With integrated software and hardware solutions, its own development department, and a clear focus on efficiency, the company provides answers to one of the greatest challenges of our time: responsible energy management.
From Measurement Technology to Comprehensive Energy Management
"I have been with Berg GmbH since 2011, initially in sales, later as sales director and since 2019 as CEO," reports CEO Marijan Valic. The company was founded in 1980 – back then with a focus on measurement technology and load management systems. Over the decades, Berg has evolved step by step. "An important milestone was that about nine years ago, we began to develop our load management systems ourselves," says Marijan Valic. "This has given us enormous flexibility and innovative strength." Today, the company combines its solutions into a digital total package. "Our customers no longer work with various isolated solutions, but with an integrated ecosystem," emphasizes Marijan Valic. "Under the roof of a portal, the products Efficio® (energy management), Optimo (load management), and Berg.Charge (charging management for electric mobility) can be combined. This is our unique selling point: We offer a complete system that intelligently controls energy flows, reduces costs, and also meets regulatory requirements." The effectiveness of these systems is proven by many customer examples. "With Optimo, energy-intensive businesses, such as those in the steel industry, save up to 80% of their grid fees. But medium-sized companies, for example in the food industry, also benefit – there, the savings are in the middle five-figure range," explains Marijan Valic. The payback period is usually under one year.
Innovation with IoT and Cloud
In addition to classic energy management solutions, Berg invests heavily in future technologies. "We operate our own cloud and offer IoT solutions that capture data from meters and sensors via LoRaWAN® radio modules," says Marijan Valic. This also allows reliable connection of measurement points in remote locations. The portfolio is supplemented by the in-house Eye-oT app: "Our customers can easily set up Berg sensors via QR code, check battery status and signal strength, and use the data directly in the energy management system." The technical competence is not coincidental: About a third of the staff are software developers. "We have 13 developers working in Java, C++, and app development. This sets us apart from many competitors. Customers appreciate that we customize interfaces and can integrate data bidirectionally into existing systems like SAP." Even with regulatory changes, Berg stays in the loop. "Paragraph 19 of the Electricity Network Charges Ordinance will change next year. Topics such as dynamic tariffs will gain importance. We are already developing appropriate solutions so that our customers are prepared in time." The CEO claims the secret to success is the combination of experience, technical innovation, and practical implementation. "We are proud to have one of the most powerful systems on the market – and at the same time to stay close to the needs of our customers. Energy efficiency is no longer just a ‘nice to have,’ it is crucial for competitiveness and sustainability."