Energieversorgung Schwarze Elster GmbH

The Fuel Emissions Trading Act (“BEHG”) was introduced in 2019 in the context of the climate protection package in order to further reduce Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions. It came into force on 1 January 2021 and creates the legal framework for national emissions trading. It can be a challenge for regional operators with their available internal resources to meet the resulting obligations, such as the submission of an emissions report, the holding of a DEHSt account (German Emissions Trading Authority) or the procurement of nEHS certificates (National Emissions Trading System), as well as other possible forms of legal obligations. Suppliers are required to implement a number of regulatory requirements such as various registration or documentation requirements.

This was precisely the challenge faced by Energieversorgung Schwarze Elster GmbH (EVSE) when the BEHG came into effect. EVSE also needed to distinguish between national (BEHG) and European (ETS) emissions trading to avoid double charges. With a supply capacity of 80 GWh, EVSE is obliged under the BEHG to procure national emissions certificates for the combustion of fossil fuels.

VNG Handel & Vertrieb GmbH (VNG H&V) supports EVSE as a trusted partner. Its BEHG service helps EVSE to comply with its statutory regulations while also reducing its administrative workload. Thanks to its modular structure, the service can be tailored to a customer’s individual needs. EVSE selected the Account Management, Procurement and Reporting modules for 2021 and 2022. From the period that the service was contracted, the BEHG team from VNG H&V took over responsibility for opening and managing of the DEHSt accounts and carrying out the nEHS certificate transactions.

VNG H&V handles organisational steps such as setting up the virtual mailroom (“VPS”), administering the compliance account and EEX registration, freeing up EVSE’s time and resources. VNG H&V also procures the emission certificates on behalf of EVSE. According to the BEHG, final documentation is required in the form of an emissions report. This is also handled by our team using our Reporting module.

By opting for three modules from VNG’s BEHG service, EVSE has saved time and resources while meeting all of its legal requirements. Customised advice ensures that the company is always fully in the picture about regulatory developments, particularly important in view of the complexity of the legal situation. We go beyond a purely service relationship to support our customers with any questions and problems that they may encounter.