Alliander's Sustainable Course

The war in Ukraine and current energy prices have greatly influenced and intensified the demand for electricity. Electrification is an essential issue for all of us. Our home electricity supplies have become the topic of the day. The work of the grid operator has therefore become more crucial than ever before. Alliander, which includes grid operator Liander, must rapidly expand our electricity grids. This task is clear.

1 in 3 streets will be opened
In the next 10 years, as much work needs to be done as in the previous 40 years. The work largely takes place underground, so streets must be opened to upgrade the electricity grid; there’s no way around it. Marlies: “If customers understand that this allows them to Netflix, install solar panels on their roof, connect a heat pump, and keep their energy bill manageable, then they will view the inconvenience a bit more positively.”

Organizing Work in Flow
These are challenging times; resources are scarce, and technical labor capacity is limited. It is important that the available manpower can be utilized as effectively as possible. Marlies calls this ‘organizing work in flow’. You do this by keeping the scarce technician busy all the time. No material shortages, no disruptions. Alliander always strives for the most feasible schedule.

Getting things in order, digitized administrative processes, and innovative technology to perform more work with fewer steps. Burdening technical experts as little as possible with unnecessary administrative tasks and organizing the work around people as effectively as possible. That is the key.

Working Three Times as Fast
Besides keeping technicians as busy as possible, we also need to innovate to achieve more work with fewer hands. For example, the grid operator has recently been collaborating with suppliers and other grid operators on the compact connection module. Connections in public spaces can be realized significantly faster with this. Marlies: “We’ve gone from 30 minutes to 8 minutes connection time. Those are real game-changers. Whether it’s connecting a charging station or a lamppost, this new connection module can do it at least three times faster.”

Employees Want a Perspective
To attract more personnel, it is important that the technical sector as a whole is positioned as an attractive employer. Young people want a perspective: ‘Is the work relevant to society and how can I develop myself?’ Therefore, the ‘Action Plan for Technology’ was recently presented by VNO-NCW, Techniek Nederland, Bouwend Nederland, and the employers’ associations.

Marlies: “What I dream of is that we, as employers, join forces to offer young people and career changers a career path for a longer period. Good people often go to work for another employer after a few years; you can’t stop that. What I do want is for them to continue working in technology. And let’s not forget: more women in technology, of course. We desperately need women, and it also simply makes things much more enjoyable.”

“The upgrading and associated work in the streets are unavoidable; what we can do is work efficiently and continue to explain why we are doing this.”

Long-Term Thinking
With long-term contracts, contractors can secure work for an extended period. This builds trust, allowing the client and contractor to scale up together. “Previously, we offered 3-4 year contracts, and now we are moving to 6-year contracts with options to extend. This way, contractors can offer their employees permanent contracts with good conditions and relevant work.”

Alliander faces an enormous task. It is important that all colleagues can do this in good health. Therefore, Alliander, as an employer, facilitates a healthy mind and body wherever possible. There is an open, inclusive work culture, and healthy food is also available in the canteens.

This approach earned Alliander the ‘Most Vital Company in the Netherlands’ award.