Positive energy POWEO

Charles beigbeder

In spite of the tremors currently shaking economies all over the world, POWEO has remained on course for sustainable growth. With sales up 59% on 2007, the financial year 2008 shows that it can look to the future with confidence. This dynamism confirms the soundness of the company's business model which, seven years after its launch on the market, is enabling it to maintain its position as France 's leading independent electricity and gas operator.

In 2008, POWEO's number of customers increased in a spectacular way to reach the current figure of more than 320,000 active sites. This success is explained by the company's determination to develop an attractive, original offering. Far from limiting its business plan to low-price energy distribution, POWEO is developing an increasingly innovative range of services. In addition to its energy efficiency consulting services, it also offers its customers an insurance system ensuring they continue to receive power in all circumstances.

POWEO also took the steps of shaking up the market by making use of distribution channels that had never been used by traditional operators: sale of subscriptions by mail order and in supermarkets, and these experiments proved successful.

This service range is backed by fast-growing production capacities. In 2009, POWEO has marked a decisive milestone with the start-up of the first natural gas fired power station in France commissioned by alternative operator at Pont-sur-Sambre (Nord). Its 412 MW capacity will supplement the renewable energy based generating capacities provided by the Group's wind farms, solar plants and hydroelectric units. This combination of generating facilities confirms POWEO as a leading electricity producer.

By investing in new, more efficient and cleaner generating facilities and helping to change consumption modes, POWEO is seeking to play its part in taking up the major challenges of action against climate change and for energy independence.
Today, more than ever, POWEO is looking to the future.

Charles Beigbeder
Chairman of the board of Directors