ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Repower has a special social responsibility as an energy company. For this reason it actively involves stakeholders and supports local communities, both as an employer and as a sponsor of local events, clubs and associations.
Impacts
Energy production and distribution facilities often shape a region for generations. A good and cooperative relationship between Repower and the population of the various regions is therefore essential. Transparent and comprehensive communication and active stakeholder engagement can lead to better cooperation, acceptance and support, contributing to the success and stability of the company and ultimately helping ensure a stable energy supply. Repower also contributes to economic development in the regions, creates jobs and creates or supports local infrastructure. Social projects and sponsorships help foster the well-being and quality of life of local communities.
Risks
Inadequate communication and a lack of stakeholder involvement can lead to a loss of trust, image problems and a decline in the customer base. In addition, conflicts with stakeholders can lead to legal disputes, project delays and increased costs.
Risks related to a potential deterioration in relations with the public are a component of the Repower Group’s risk and control assessment (see Introduction). The Repower Group also does regular media monitoring concentrating on perceptions of Repower in the media and among the general public.
Guidelines and due diligence
The Repower Group has made an internal commitment to support regional and local companies, among other things by implementing its sponsorship strategy. By involving interest groups and local communities, the Repower Group strives to achieve the best possible coexistence and cooperation with people in the area.
Measures
In Switzerland, Repower, as a Graubünden-based company, is committed to the local community, both as an employer in the region and as a sponsor of local organisations and events. In 2024, Repower Switzerland donated a significant amount of sponsorship money in the four regions of Valposchiavo, Engadine, Surselva and Prättigau / Rhine Valley, as well as for Graubünden in general. Most of this money goes to clubs and organisations that nurture young talent. Repower Switzerland also makes significant one-off contributions in support of various issues, organisations, events and associations.
Repower Switzerland is a major sponsor of the cultural institution Origen. Origen promotes a wide range of stage productions, maintains and revitalises historical monuments, invests in bold contemporary architecture and promotes arts and crafts. Similar to Repower, Origen is committed to sustainable development in the peripheral regions of Canton Graubünden, creating jobs and enriching the cultural life of the local population and visitors. A particular highlight in 2024 was the Beloved City concert series given by the internationally acclaimed Richter Trio in Repower’s architecturally unique Albanatscha power plant on the south side of the Julier Pass, which was transformed into an impressive concert hall. The combination of music, architecture and nature made the event a unique experience for the audience and the artists.
Repower Italia supports social projects as well as projects involved in scientific education. Among the organisations supported in 2024 were Sermig, which works to support the poorest members of society, and Edela, an association providing psychological and financial support to orphans and children and young people who are alone after a femicide. Other organisations receiving further support include Opera San Francesco per i Poveri, which looks after the most vulnerable; NAGA, which offers direct medical assistance to people in need and without official documentation; and various associations that promote social integration through sports. In Milan, Repower Italia also promotes the arts by supporting the Repower Theatre and the Teatro Menotti.
Repower promotes inclusion with SocialOsa Overlimits
For several years, Repower has been supporting SocialOsa Overlimits, a special basketball team that also includes young people with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome. For the third time, Repower sponsored the basketGIÒchiamo tournament, which was created in memory of Gio’, an Overlimits player who died of Covid in 2020. Repower also supported the preparations for the launch of an Overlimits mini-basketball team for children and teenagers aged 8 to 16.
Stakeholder engagement
The Repower Group actively engages with the local population, organisations and local companies. This enables it to get direct feedback and adapt its initiatives where necessary. Employees in the regions also pass on information and questions to Repower.
Measuring effectiveness
Repower Switzerland records its investment and progress in sponsorship projects and is in regular dialogue with the organisations it supports to assess the impact of its engagement.