GDF Suez Aims to Double Italian Customers by 2015

During a press conference today in Milan, Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, and Aldo Chiarini, Chairman of GDF SUEZ Energia Italia, presented the Group’s new structure and aims in the country. The Group set three priorities for the development of its activities in Italy: double its gas and electricity customer base by 2015 to reach 2 million customers, diversify its energy mix and increase its power production capacity while reducing its CO2 impact, and manage its various production facilities in a more integrated manner within Italy and Europe.

Double the customer base by 2015

In order to boost the visibility of its activities in Italy, the Group recently developed in this country the single brand, GDF SUEZ, which groups together all of GDF SUEZ Energia Italia’s activities. A national advertising campaign was launched on May 8th in order to present this new identity to Italian consumers.

Diversify the energy mix

GDF SUEZ is currently the leading wind power operator in Italy. The combination between the Group’s international activities and International Power gave rise to an extensive portfolio of renewable energy sources, with a wind farm capacity of close to 700 MW across the country. The Group’s strategy that aims to have a highly diversified, low CO2 production mix will be pursued in Italy.

Integrate the management of production facilities

GDF SUEZ is presently capable of integrating the management of its production facilities in Italy, which will thus allow it to tap into operating synergies and secure an energy supply for customers.

Italy is the Group’s 3rd largest country, after France and Belgium, its two domestic markets. The Group already plays a leading role there and intends to position itself as one of the country’s top three players. Present across the energy value chain and enjoying a sharply growing customer base, GDF SUEZ is number one in the area of energy services through its subsidiary Cofely, the number 3 natural gas operator, with over 1.2 million customers, and the fourth leading electrical operator. SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT also benefits from a strong position with more than 2.4 million users of its environmental services.

During this conference, Gérard Mestrallet declared: “In March, the Group finalized a separation agreement with Acea thanks to which we can now fully implement our growth strategy in Italy. Drawing on our experience in Europe and around the world, GDF SUEZ intends to play a major and long-term role on the Italian market. Our activities in Italy now benefit from the reputation of the GDF SUEZ brand, worldwide utilities leader, and we have high ambitions in this country. GDF SUEZ wants to contribute to national energy challenges, particularly by developing renewable energies such as wind and hydraulic power, an area in which the Group boasts renowned expertise.”

[mappress]

Source: GDF SUEZ, May 12, 2011;