The Mission: Quality of Life for the Region
Interview with Olaf Kaspryk, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Rastatt GmbH
Stadtwerke Rastatt has a long history closely linked to the region. With about 160 employees and an annual turnover of approximately 100 million EUR, the company is the largest provider in the Rastatt district. "We see ourselves as a reliable partner for the local people, significantly improving quality of life through secure energy and water supply," explains managing director Olaf Kaspryk.
A particularly formative event in the history of Stadtwerke Rastatt GmbH occurred over ten years ago with the contamination of groundwater by per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS), which posed enormous challenges for the company. "We acted quickly, implemented technical solutions for a continued safe drinking water supply, and chose open communication," recalls Olaf Kaspryk. "The most important thing was to maintain the trust of the citizens, as this trust is the most valuable asset that Stadtwerke possess." In addition to ensuring drinking water quality, the energy transition played a central role in recent years. Stadtwerke Rastatt consistently invested in renewable energies and the expansion of the heating networks. The pandemic and the energy crisis put the company to a difficult test. "We had to learn quickly how to manage risks even better. There was practically never a quiet phase - each crisis challenged us anew and demanded that we react flexibly and prudently," says the managing director. This continuous crisis management, although very demanding, was also a valuable experience.
New Tasks, Innovatively Solved
The Stadtwerke Rastatt increasingly focuses on sustainable projects such as an inner-city cooling network – a unique offering in the region. "Climate change presents us with new challenges. With innovative solutions like district heating or cooling networks, we want to advance decarbonization while simultaneously contributing to the quality of life for people in the region." Customer orientation, social responsibility, and community involvement are key success factors. "We can't always offer the lowest price, but we compensate for this with service, proximity, and commitment to the region," emphasizes Olaf Kaspryk. "Our customers know that a part of their payments goes back into the community – for example into youth support, culture, or clubs." Transparency is a major focus, both in pricing and project planning. "We want people to understand what we do and why we do it. This creates trust that sustains us in the long term," Olaf Kaspryk is confident.
Technology in the Service of People
Digitalization is now indispensable in the daily operations of Stadtwerke Rastatt. AI-based systems not only simplify internal processes but also support customer service. "We deliberately choose a combination of digital solutions and personal advice," explains Olaf Kaspryk. The intelligent phone bot ‘SAM’ assists with standard inquiries, while complex concerns are still handled personally. "Digitalization must not be an end in itself but has to serve people. Only when technology is used sensibly and aligned with customer needs does it provide real benefits," the managing director emphasizes. This credo shapes all processes around digital transformation at Stadtwerke Rastatt. Furthermore, collaborations with other municipal utilities and universities promote knowledge transfer and ensure connectivity to technological advancements. "We work closely with municipal utilities in the region to learn from each other and implement innovations in a practical manner," shares Olaf Kaspryk. For the managing director, this is an essential prerequisite for preparing Stadtwerke Rastatt for the future.
Company in Transition
Investments of up to 20 million EUR, which Stadtwerke Rastatt makes annually, secure the long-term supply. "Currently, the generational change in the leadership level particularly drives us – a topic that is just as crucial for the future of our company as the financing of necessary investments." Despite all challenges, the motivation remains high. To manage the transition, the company focuses on strong support for young talent and further education. Collaborations with universities and dual study options secure the training of future professionals. "We aim to ensure that our employees identify with our company and stay long-term. Only this way can we pass on our knowledge and values." This foresight underlines the importance of Stadtwerke as an employer in the region. For his own motivation at work, Olaf Kaspryk finds clear words: "Managing Stadtwerke is one of the most fulfilling tasks for me because it has purpose. We make a direct and important contribution to the lives of the people here locally – that motivates me day after day." With this attitude, he leads Stadtwerke Rastatt through complex times, supported by the conviction that municipal energy supply will continue to be an indispensable pillar of society in the future.