Grid Accounting and
Regulatory Expertise

External consulting is particularly useful when regulatory, tariff or political conditions become more complex or when additional perspectives from other regions and projects are required. Many Swiss distribution network operators face challenges such as implementing new ElCom directives, adapting cost accounting models or strategically positioning themselves in the evolving energy market. NRG supports utilities specifically where internal know-how needs to be supplemented or temporarily relieved. Our consultants have direct experience from working with over ten Swiss energy suppliers across different language regions. This means we can assess regulatory questions not just theoretically but based on comparable practical cases. Particularly for grid accounting, interpreting ElCom circulars or preparing for tariff audits, external support provides independent quality assurance and reduces the risk of costly errors in regulatory submissions.

ElCom reporting and tariff calculation require highly specialised expertise that is only needed in many utilities for a few months per year. The annual EDES data collection, the preparation of cost accounting in accordance with the Electricity Supply Ordinance (StromVV) and the correct allocation of grid costs to voltage levels are error-prone and time-intensive processes. Rather than maintaining these competencies permanently in-house, smaller and medium-sized utilities in particular rely on efficient and low-risk cooperation with a specialised partner. NRG handles the entire process from data preparation through plausibility checks to timely submission to ElCom. By supporting multiple utilities, we also identify regulatory trends and common error sources early, enabling us to proactively inform and protect our clients against compliance risks.

Our PES services include tariff calculation, grid economics, regulatory issues and the classification of political and market developments. Specifically, we support the preparation of unbundled annual statements, grid valuation using synthetic or historical methods, the calculation of grid usage and energy tariffs, and preparation for ElCom audits. Beyond that, we assist utilities with strategic questions such as evaluating new business models, integrating renewable energies into the distribution grid or optimising asset accounting. We bring experience from different regions, projects and customer constellations – from small municipal utilities in western Switzerland to larger city utilities in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. This cross-regional perspective allows us to benchmark performance and identify best practices across the Swiss energy landscape.

NRG combines regulatory and tariff expertise with practical experience from concrete projects. While traditional consulting firms often work with standardised frameworks and provide recommendations at a strategic level, our consulting is hands-on, implementation-oriented and tailored to the actual needs of utilities and infrastructure operators. We work directly within our clients' operational processes – for example in annual tariff calculations, EDES reporting or communication with ElCom. Through long-standing cooperation with multiple Swiss utilities, we understand the typical challenges and can contribute proven solution approaches from comparable situations. Additionally, we offer flexible engagement models: from one-off support for specific questions to continuous accompaniment over several years. This practical, embedded approach ensures that our recommendations are not just theoretically sound but immediately actionable.

No. The aim of the cooperation is to specifically complement and strengthen existing competencies. NRG does not take over tasks that are sensibly built up internally, but supports where external experience, efficiency or independence create clear added value. In practice, this means for example that we prepare the regulatory accounting while the internal team manages operational grid planning. Or we handle ElCom reporting while the utility steers customer communication and tariff design independently. Through regular knowledge transfer workshops and documented processes, we ensure that internal know-how is built up over time. Many of our long-standing clients have significantly expanded their own competencies throughout the partnership – yet the cooperation with NRG remains because the external perspective and regional comparability provide lasting value.

Both are possible. PES can be used on a project basis – for example for a one-off grid valuation, preparation for an ElCom audit or the introduction of a new tariff model. Equally, PES can be used as part of a longer-term cooperation for continuous support on tariff, regulatory or grid-related issues. Many of our clients start with a specific project and then decide on ongoing cooperation once the added value is confirmed in daily operations. The collaboration is flexibly adapted to actual needs: some utilities require only a few days per year for tariff calculation, while others utilise our full service portfolio. There are no minimum contract terms or rigid structures – the partnership is based on mutual trust and measurable benefit for both sides.