Claudia Rathfux

Regulation Manager, Vattenfall Distribution in Berlin, Germany Please describe in short what you are working with.

I work with regulatory management, at first I was at Vattenfall Europe Transmission GmbH, and since November 2008 I am at Vattenfall Europe Distribution Berlin GmbH. The team I work in is responsible for the realisation of the legal requirements, political guidelines and decisions of the German regulatory agency (Federal Network Agency). The aim is to establish Vattenfall Europe as a non-discriminatory, cost efficient and reasonably priced system operator on the German electricity market.

How would you describe your typical day at work?

Currently I work part-time, because my son is still a baby. In general my working days vary a lot. I often have meetings with other teams and departments that are affected by the energy regulation. Afterwards I have to prepare decision memos for the management. I frequently work on comments and statements to draft laws and position papers of the regulatory agencies – mostly in cooperation with the BDEW, the Federal Association of Energy and Water.

What do you enjoy most in your work?

The regulation of the energy sector affects both the financial and the technical departments of a system operator. So the job as a regulatory manager provides an insight into nearly all processes, problems and topics and you never cease to learn something new. Above all the practical implementation of the regulation is a new business segment that I can actively participate in and design.

What do you think is the benefit of working at Vattenfall?

Vattenfall is one of the biggest energy companies in Europe and covers the entire value chain of electricity and heat supply. Due to that there are a great number of opportunities for me to develop further. Furthermore I have the impression that I play a little part in developing the future of the European energy business.

Do you feel you can develop your career within Vattenfall?

Starting in spring 2009, I will take part in the Vattenfall Core Management Programme. I am convinced it will be a very valuable experience and an important step for my professional development.