Deeply Rooted in Public Services
Interview with Dörte Schulte-Derne, Spokesperson of the Management of Würzburger Versorgungs- und Verkehrs-GmbH
Würzburger Versorgungs- und Verkehrs-GmbH (WVV) is much more than a 'classic' municipal utility. Already 127 years ago, the company ensured the water supply for the region, operated trams, and took responsibility for municipal infrastructure. This year, WVV celebrates 60 years of its existence as a holding company that combines an impressive variety of business sectors under its umbrella. In this interview with Dörte Schulte-Derne, spokesperson of the management, we discuss the guidelines that govern the company's actions and how public services work in the 21st century.
"Our history shows that we not only actively shape change but also drive it – it's part of our DNA," says Dörte Schulte-Derne. WVV is deeply rooted in municipal services – from energy and drinking water supply to public transportation. Yet, the company operates far beyond city limits: "In the area of parking lot management, we are active nationwide, and we also serve customers far beyond Würzburg in energy sales and direct marketing," adds Dörte Schulte-Derne. With around 2,000 employees and an annual turnover of about 1.2 billion EUR, WVV is an economic engine of the region. The diversity of business sectors also means that very different professional groups work together under one roof. "We have everything here from bus drivers to IT experts – and that only works if we create smart, modern working conditions for everyone," emphasizes Dörte Schulte-Derne.
Energy Transition Requires Acceptance
WVV does not only operate for itself, but always in the interest of the city and its citizens. Profits are channeled into strengthening equity, reinvesting in future projects, and cross-subsidizing areas such as public transport or swimming pools. "We need to generate profits in order to finance non-profitable sectors in a sensible and tax-optimized way," explains Dörte Schulte-Derne. The basis of actions includes four central guidelines: supply security, economic efficiency, sustainability, and – as a new pillar – acceptance and participation. "Energy transition only works if we bring along our neighbors, our employees, our supervisory boards, and city councils. Without acceptance, it will not work," says Schulte-Derne.
Expectations for the Government
Looking ahead to the upcoming federal government, Schulte-Derne is forthright: "I very much hope that the topic of energy transition is also considered from the perspective of regional economic development and supply security – and that we remain open to technology while at the same time sensibly reducing bureaucracy." She is particularly concerned with the protection of critical infrastructures: "We need a new evaluation of how much transparency is actually beneficial – and where we need to draw boundaries to defend our infrastructure."
Success Through Innovation and Collaboration
The success of WVV is based on smart opportunity and risk assessment as well as a strong capacity for innovation. "Whenever we face a new issue, we ask ourselves: Can we do this alone or do we need strong partners?", describes Dörte Schulte-Derne. The company increasingly relies on cross-functional collaboration to better utilize internal potentials. The managing director is particularly proud of the shore power supply for river cruise ships in Würzburg: "We developed a solution ourselves that we are now selling to many other cities." For the future, Dörte Schulte-Derne sees WVV as a smart, efficient infrastructure provider: "We are proud of our tradition – but we are just as curious about what is to come."