"It was a hot summer, so refrigeration units were running at full capacity. This was immediately reflected in our energy bill, because we don't have solar panels yet. And since it will be getting colder soon, we will have to start heating again, which will show in our gas bill," says Cees Hoekstra, managing director of Veiling Rhein-Maas (VRM). The energy crisis affects the German auction as well.
VRM is part of Landgard Group, which decides the energy policy of its cash-and-carry operations, including the auction in Herongen, Hoekstra explains. Landgard has been purchasing part of its gas and electricity ahead through contracts. For the other part, VRM depends on daily prices. As a result, some of its energy costs will rise steeply.
The auction is doing its utmost to contain the surge in energy costs. VRM has established a new temperature regime in all auction spaces, has transitioned 99% of its hall and office lighting to LED, has installed motion detectors to control lighting and is preparing to install solar panels on its roofs. Also, the auction is mechanising its cold-store doors and exterior doors.
