Bruno Souchal is elected new president of SNER, the national union of SRER

He succeeds Thierry Lirola, who took over as head of the organization in 2015.

Bruno Souchal knows the dry network sector very well, since he manages several ALLEZ et Cie agencies in Limousin, a region where he chaired the SRER for 15 years.

As president of the SNER, he intends to continue the actions carried out by Thierry Lirola, whose commitment to the development and recognition of SRERs he praised. Now numbering 17, the SRERs cover the entire territory and ensure strengthened relations with the Profession's partners, such as ENEDIS, GRDF or the FNCCR National Federation of Conceding Communities and Regulated Authorities.

A healthy economic climate

Bruno Souchal is also starting his term under the best auspices in terms of the economic situation for dry network companies, as illustrated by the latest national SNER-SRER 2024 survey, which can be consulted HERE.

Driven by the energy transition, order books are full for several months: 17 weeks of consecutive activity on average, to which must be added nearly 28 weeks on average of scheduled activity, thus extending the visibility of many companies beyond 6 months.

Among the promising projects, we can cite:

• In the short term, the maintenance and development of energy transport and distribution networks, the development of electric vehicle charging facilities (IRVE), work related to the many dedicated public transport routes (trams, metros, high-level bus service (BHNS), the multiplication of urban heating networks, the final phases of very high-speed broadband deployment, etc.;
• In the longer term, the revival of nuclear projects and the construction of new generations of EPRs.

The challenges of the new SNER presidency

There are still some challenges to be met alongside member companies. Some milestones have already been set, but the new president will be particularly keen to accelerate in terms of prevention and safety on construction sites.

Accident indicators on construction sites are not very good, as shown by figures from the annual survey: 69% of member companies reported one or more accidents at work in 2023, the equivalent of more than 700 recorded incidents (often falls from the same level and improper handling of equipment), including 500 with stoppage, and an average of 5,8 accidents per company. This is a significant increase that needs to be addressed, in close partnership with customers.

Another major topic, which will be the subject of particular attention for the years to come: the training and recruitment of employees. In direct correlation with the high level of activity, the workforce needs are significant for this sector (95% of companies are concerned), with very strong tension on the job of network installer (nearly 450 positions to be filled throughout France!) and to a slightly lesser extent, on management positions.

Here again, working in partnership with network concessionaire customers is one of the keys to promoting these professions and attracting new talent. Initiatives such as the School of Energy Transition Networks, driven by ENEDIS, or the training actions deployed in many regions by companies, will be expected to spread to all four corners of the territory.