Supply of the Future: Sustainable, Digital, Secure
Interview with Dino Höll, Managing Director of Dessauer Versorgungs- und Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH – DVV – Stadtwerke
Energy, mobility, water, and telecommunications - Stadtwerke Dessau is much more than a classic utility company. As one of the largest employers in the region, they not only advance public services but also set standards in sustainability and digitalization. Managing Director Dino Höll offers fascinating insights into the core competencies as well as the strategic challenges and future plans of the company.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Höll, Stadtwerke Dessau is a central part of the public services in the region. Can you briefly introduce the corporate structure and the core areas?
Dino Höll: We are a municipal company that is 100% publicly owned and make a decisive contribution to the supply security in Dessau-Roßlau. Our company is divided into four major business areas: energy supply, water supply and wastewater management, public transport, and telecommunications. In addition, we are involved in renewable energies, infrastructure projects, and IT services. With approximately 424 employees and a turnover of 260 million EUR, we are one of the largest employers in the region.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your commitment to sustainability look like?
Dino Höll: Sustainability is not a trend for us, but a commitment. We already exited from lignite in 2017, invest in photovoltaic and wind parks, and promote municipal heating planning. An example is our district heating transformation plan, which will drastically reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, we have been using bio-natural gas buses for many years because we believe that sustainability must be economically viable and socially acceptable.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you deal with the challenges of digitalization?
Dino Höll: Digitalization offers enormous opportunities for optimizing energy flows, network infrastructure, and customer communication. At the same time, as critical infrastructure, we are subject to high security requirements. IT security is our top priority, especially in drinking water supply and power plant control. We are monitoring the market for AI, but data protection and supply security are our foremost priorities.
Wirtschaftsforum: The shortage of skilled workers is a major issue. How do you address this problem?
Dino Höll: We have hired about 80 new employees in the past two years – an enormous number for a company of our size. Our goal is to be an attractive employer that not only attracts skilled workers but also retains them long-term. For this, we rely on flexible working models, further training opportunities, and attractive additional benefits, such as free charging of electric vehicles for our employees. However, the biggest challenge remains filling engineering positions, especially in the field of water and wastewater technology.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does your marketing and expansion strategy look like?
Dino Höll: Our focus is on regional roots with nationwide reach. We not only serve Dessau-Roßlau, but also offer telecommunications and energy services throughout Germany. We focus on targeted marketing, strategic partnerships, and a strong local presence, such as by sponsoring regional events. Our high brand recognition in the region is a crucial success factor for us.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does corporate culture play in your strategy?
Dino Höll: Our corporate culture stands for transparency, willingness to change, and trust. Through targeted change management processes, we prepare our team for future challenges. One example: Leadership profiles at all management levels ensure clear responsibilities. Our goal: A work environment in which employees can develop and are happy to stay.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you see the future of Stadtwerke Dessau?
Dino Höll: Our strategy until 2025 is based on three pillars: renewable energies, sustainable infrastructure, and digital solutions. We are investing with precision – from municipal heating planning to the expansion of renewable energies and the modernization of our IT systems. A crucial step is our district heating transformation plan, which will reduce CO2 emissions and secure heat supply. We are also advancing digitally – most recently with the transition to SAP S/4HANA to make processes more efficient and secure. As a driver of regional development, we rely on responsible innovations and sustainable solutions. The challenges are significant – energy transition, regulatory requirements, geopolitical developments – but I am convinced: Those who invest long-term, drive innovative solutions forward, and respond flexibly to changes will be sustainably successful.