Regio Energie Solothurn
Swiss public-law energy utility owned by the City of Solothurn, supplying electricity, gas, water, district heating and building technology services.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
Regio Energie Solothurn is a Swiss public-law energy company based in Solothurn and wholly owned by the City of Solothurn. It operates as a multi-utility (Querverbundunternehmen), combining electricity, natural gas and biogas, drinking water, district heating and building technology services under one roof. Its roots reach back to the mid-19th century, when public gas lighting was introduced in the city; the modern company took its present name in 2002, succeeding the Städtische Werke Solothurn (SWS). The company supplies roughly 35,000 households, industrial and commercial customers in the Solothurn region with electricity, gas, water, district heating and installations. It positions itself as a partner for the energy transition, developing decentralised solutions based on environmentally friendly energy carriers and offering energy consulting and contracting services that cover planning, construction, operation and financing of energy systems. Regio Energie Solothurn is active in several partnerships and holdings, including the Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Swisspower, Trianel, Kompogas Utzenstorf, Optima Solar and the Wasserverbund Region Solothurn AG. It also has a subsidiary, Genos Energie AG, specialised in solar installations, solar power use, battery storage and maintenance. Its flagship project is the Hybridwerk Aarmatt in Zuchwil, a nationally recognised pilot plant for efficient energy generation that forms part of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy's lighthouse programme. The company is governed by a nine-member board of directors elected by the city council, and its supply mandate for the city is defined by a regulation dating from 11 September 1984. It remains a municipally owned utility rather than a listed company.
History
The history of Regio Energie Solothurn reaches back to the mid-19th century. In 1860 public gas lighting was put into operation in the city of Solothurn, and in 1861 the private Gas-Aktiengesellschaft Solothurn was founded, producing gas from coal for lighting the streets and houses of the city. In 1895 the city introduced electric lighting, entrusting its operation to the newly created Elektrizitätswerk Solothurn, a department of the municipal administration. In 1904 the financially troubled gas company was taken over by the municipality and continued as Gaswerk Solothurn. In 1906 the modern water supply of the city was attached to the gasworks. In 1968 the Elektrizitätswerk Solothurn (EWS) and the Gas- und Wasserwerk Solothurn (GWS) were merged into the Städtische Werke Solothurn (SWS). In 1994 the SWS became an independent public-law enterprise. In 2002 the SWS was transformed into Regio Energie Solothurn, described as a dynamic company and a strong player in the energy market. Further milestones followed: in 2006 the company joined Trianel European Energy Trading GmbH in Germany; in 2007 it began building a district heating network from kenova AG towards Zuchwil/Solothurn and extended natural gas supply to the municipalities of Kriegstetten and Halten; in 2008 Trianel Suisse was founded with its seat in Solothurn and the company joined Youtility AG; in 2009 the Kompogas Utzenstorf plant began operation. In 2013 Regio Energie Solothurn entered a strategic partnership with OptimaSolar and Swisspower. The Hybridwerk Aarmatt in Zuchwil, a nationwide pioneer project and lighthouse project, set a milestone in efficient energy generation. Since 2007 Regio Energie Solothurn has used the energy generated by the KEBAG AG Zuchwil waste incineration plant to heat district heating water and operate its own district heating network; since 2018 surplus electricity has also been converted into thermal energy. The Solothurn city president was ex officio chairman of the board of Regio Energie Solothurn until April 2026, after which the position has been filled through a public application procedure.
- 2026
The Solothurn city president ceases to be ex officio chairman of the board; the position is filled through a public application procedure.
- 2018
Surplus electricity is also converted into thermal energy.
- 2017
Swiss population approves the Energy Strategy 2050; Regio Energie Solothurn operates the Hybridwerk Aarmatt as part of the BFE lighthouse programme.
- 2013
Strategic partnership with OptimaSolar and Swisspower.
- 2009
Kompogas Utzenstorf plant begins operation.
- 2008
Founding of Trianel Suisse with seat in Solothurn; joins Youtility AG.
- 2007
Builds district heating network from kenova AG towards Zuchwil/Solothurn; extends natural gas supply to Kriegstetten and Halten.
- 2006
Joins Trianel European Energy Trading GmbH, Germany.
- 2002
SWS is transformed into Regio Energie Solothurn.
- 1994
SWS becomes an independent public-law enterprise.
Products and positioning
Customer-oriented, quality- and competence-driven regional multi-utility guiding customers through the energy transition with decentralised, environmentally friendly solutions.
Electricity supply
Electricity for households, industry and commerce in the Solothurn region.
Natural gas and biogas
Gas supply for heating, cooking and mobility, including biogas.
Drinking water
Water supply for the city and region.
District heating
District heating network using waste heat from the KEBAG Zuchwil waste incineration plant.
Building technology
Installation teams ensuring heat, light, water and electricity are available.
Energy consulting
Support for private, commercial and public clients on renovation and construction projects.
Contracting
Planning, construction, operation and financing of energy systems.
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