A Future-Ready TYPO3 Platform for Stadtwerke Bochum

Stadtwerke Bochum has been a trusted provider of safe, reliable and sustainable energy for Bochum and the surrounding region for decades. As a modern municipal utility, the company combines traditional responsibility with forward-looking solutions. Whether electricity, gas, heating or innovative energy services – Stadtwerke Bochum is committed to quality, transparency and strong regional commitment. With a clear focus on climate protection, digitalization and customer service, the company actively shapes the energy future and makes a significant contribution to the quality of life in the city.

As a modern energy company, Stadtwerke Bochum faces the challenge of making a wide range of basic services digitally accessible and presenting them in a user-friendly way. 

The goal was not only to create a central platform for all offerings, but also to optimize the user experience and provide future-proof digital tools. In addition to regional basic services, Stadtwerke Bochum also distributes electricity and gas nationwide via the “gutundgrün.de” brand – also integrated into the existing system. This means that customers throughout Germany benefit from a uniform, efficient platform and a seamless user experience.

unternehmen online GmbH & Co. KG (UO) has been a partner in times of digital change since 1997. Their mission is to accompany customers on their way to their digital future and to successfully help shape it. UO was selected as the agency to help bring Stadtwerke Bochum's vision to life. With a user-friendly project approach, UO implemented would implement this vision by developing a new TYPO3-based website.

As a flexible CMS, TYPO3 offers ideal conditions for implementing the requirements of Stadtwerke Bochum. The modularity of TYPO3 enables the development of specific functions. With TYPO3, the website is not only flexible and powerful, but also optimally tailored to the needs of Stadtwerke Bochum and its customers.

The project focused on creating a seamless, future-ready digital platform for Stadtwerke Bochum that combines technical innovation with a strong customer experience. The work spanned from system integration and process optimization to user engagement and interface design, all centered around TYPO3 as a robust content management foundation.

As a flexible CMS, TYPO3 offers ideal conditions for implementing the requirements of Stadtwerke Bochum. TYPO3’s modularity enables the development of specific functionalities. With TYPO3, the website is not only flexible and high-performance, but also perfectly tailored to the needs of Stadtwerke Bochum and its customers.

Comprehensive features for an optimized user experience

SOLR-powered search

The search bar has been given a more prominent position and optimized. Thanks to SOLR integration, users can find content with just a few clicks, process frequent inquiries more quickly, and even be directed to relevant offers through targeted advertisements.

Electricity and gas price calculator

One of the central components of the website is the electricity and gas price calculator, which has been fully integrated into TYPO3. It allows users to quickly and easily calculate the costs for their desired tariff. By integrating the tool into TYPO3, the price calculator is no longer a separate module on an external domain, but seamlessly embedded into the website.

External sales partners and order management

To efficiently process leads from comparison portals such as Verivox and Check24, an optimized process chain was developed. Incoming orders undergo an initial pre-check before being seamlessly transferred to the SAP system for executing the switching process.

To increase conversion rates, individual offers can be created, and customers can be invited via email into a pre-filled order process—enabling quick and uncomplicated completion. Additionally, a flexible coupon system is available for promotional discount campaigns, helping attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Citizen engagement and future projects

Through the customer area of the TYPO3 website, users can conveniently submit project proposals. A user-friendly form enables input of all project details as well as uploading media. An integrated voting feature allows customers to actively participate in the selection process and cast votes for submitted projects—creating transparency and involving the community in decision-making.

Dynamic flex-tariff tool: Real-time market prices

Another highlight is the dynamic flex-tariff tool, developed entirely in TYPO3. Customers benefit from up-to-date electricity market prices, displayed in an interactive chart.

Digital customer magazine and career platform

• The integrated digital customer magazine offers exciting insights into the region and the energy industry.
• A dedicated careers page allows interested individuals to browse current job postings and learn about career opportunities at Stadtwerke Bochum.
• The magazine pages can be designed very individually within TYPO3. Nevertheless, article overviews on specific topics can be automatically compiled and kept up to date.

Optimized FAQ section

The new FAQ section with SOLR integration provides quick answers to frequently asked questions about products, tariffs, and invoices—reducing the load on telephone support.

Future-proof interfaces and expandability

Thanks to modern technologies such as PHP and Vue.js, as well as interface development for real-time price imports, the TYPO3 website offers a scalable foundation for future enhancements.

Interfaces to AI systems

Texts can be written using ChatGPT and integrated directly into TYPO3. Additional AI services such as image description and spell checking are planned.

Sustainable further development

UO remains the technical partner and continuously develops the system further, ensuring that Stadtwerke Bochum always benefits from the latest digital trends.

Mobile app and website: A perfect symbiosis

The new Stadtwerke Bochum app for Android and iOS complements the website and allows users to access all services on the go. Content between the app and website updates automatically. For example, local-partner offers prepared for the app are automatically mirrored into the TYPO3 website.

A website that sets new standards

Through the innovative use of TYPO3, UO has created a forward-looking platform for Stadtwerke Bochum. The seamless integration of tools like the price calculator and dynamic flex-tariffs, along with the optimized user experience, makes the new website a central service hub for customers.

Through the innovative use of TYPO3, unternehmen online has created a forward-looking platform for Stadtwerke Bochum. The seamless integration of tools such as the price calculator and dynamic flex tariffs, as well as the optimized user experience, make the new website a central service hub for customers.

As Stadtwerke Bochum’s ongoing technical partner, UO continues to maintain and enhance the platform, ensuring that it remains adaptable to emerging digital trends and technologies.

TYPO3 offers the flexibility, scalability, and security that organizations need to manage complex digital experiences with ease. But the real success comes from partnering with the right TYPO3 agency — one that understands your goals and can bring your project to life.

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