For decades now we've been used to a secure and constant supply of electricity, gas and heat. However, current events remind us once again that we can no longer take these essential comforts for granted. The gas dispute between Russia and the Ukraine at the beginning of 2009 is another example. Europe depends on gas deliveries from Russia; therefore, in Europe we should not go back to "business as usual" once the gas supply returns to normal, but should rather analyze these events in cooperation with both national and European authorities and other large European gas companies. These have managed the crisis reliably and ensured that aside from supplying Western Europe, countries in Eastern Europe also received help through support deliveries. However, Europe needs an even more diverse approach to gas sourcing, as well as new delivery routes.

We believe that from 2012 onwards the conditions for a secure electricity supply in Germany cannot be guaranteed to the extent to which we have become accustomed. Nuclear power station run-down timeframes established in Germany by law are a major restriction on the use of nuclear energy. If we add the current heightened opposition to the construction of new coal-fired power stations to this equation, then an increase in gas-generated electricity is the only option left. Renewable energies alone will not be able to close this gap in the medium term, as their output is highly dependent on weather conditions. But generating more electricity from gas would not only be more expensive - it would further increase our dependency on a few producing countries. Therefore, we will need a balanced mix of energy in the future, too.

Against this background, we regard it as our primary duty to society to secure the future energy supply, even in liberalized markets. We want to live up to people's expectations of a reliable supply of energy, even if prevalent economic conditions change. In the interest of global climate protection we therefore see it as our task to swiftly expand renewable energies and make low-carbon coal power possible. If we want a secure, environmentally friendly and affordable energy supply we have to find new paths and sources for gas supply, make coal and gas-fired power stations more efficient - and finally, we need to raise public acceptance of nuclear power as a proven carbon-free generating technology once again.

On our path to a balanced and secure supply of energy, we need the broad support of society, especially in times of global economic and financial crisis, so we actively seek dialog with our stakeholders.

To a great extent it is also in our customers' hands whether or not we will be able to achieve our goals, be it in ensuring the security of supply at acceptable prices or in climate protection. To help them save energy, we have already begun to advise our customers, equip them with smart meters and also help them move over to more energy-efficient technologies. Customer orientation is sound common sense, in the same way as upholding human rights and working with our suppliers for environmental protection. Accepting our responsibility as a company (corporate responsibility, or "CR") also supports the value of our brand - and acting responsibly, particularly towards the most vulnerable customers, contributes to securing society's trust in us. Not least in view of the current financial crisis, this trust is essential to ensuring the success of our business.