53Central Europe Market Unit Our Structure Networks Networks remain a core Central Europe business even after the divestment of its ultrahigh-voltage transmission system. It owns and operates 45,000 km of high-voltage power lines, 725,000 km of intermediate- and low-voltage lines, and 112,000 km of natural gas distribution grids. It's conducting a variety of projects to develop and refine smart-grid technology, which will enhance its ability to manage the significant fluctuations in the output of renewables like wind and solar. Smart meters, which help customers use energy more wisely, shrink their carbon footprint, and save money, will play a key role in this effort. In August 2009, Central Europe launched a new company in Germany, E.ON Meter- ing, which is working intensively to develop smart-metering products and services. Sales Central Europe's sales business aims to provide customers with superior products and services by combining a strong regional presence with centralized expertise. Founded in 2008, Munich- based E.ON Vertrieb Deutschland ("E.ON Sales Germany") manages Central Europe's Germany-wide power and gas sales operation consisting of six regional sales companies, E WIE EINFACH, and E.ON Energy Sales. E.ON Vertrieb Deutschland's core tasks are centralized energy procurement, product management, and marketing. It also coordinates the operations of the regional sales companies and develops innovative strategies for further developing our sales business in Germany. Key aspects of its mar- keting strategy are energy efficiency and the nationwide E.ON En- ergy-Saving Tour. It launched a special energy-saving tariff in 2009, one of the first nationwide energy products in Germany. Electromobility E.ON Energie is active in a number of projects to make electro- mobility a viable option for the future. Since July 2009, 15 battery- powered BMW Minis have been plying the streets of Munich and using E.ON's network of recharging stations as a part of a 12-month field test. E.ON Energie has also teamed up with Volks- wagen and other partners on a hybrid car project. E.ON Ener- gie's activities cover all key aspects of electromobility, from renew- able-source power generation to practical recharging options. It's also exploring the possibility of using the batteries of elec- tric cars as mobile storage devices. If recharging could take place when power is abundant, battery-powered cars could be part of a smart grid that would help derive to greatest benefit from the fluctuating production of renewable sources. You`ll find E.ON`s consolidated financial statements and related commentary in our Financial Report. Want to know more about our Central Europe market unit? eon-energie.com SNET becomes wholly owned E.ON subsidiary In September 2009, E.ON concluded an asset swap with EdF and EnBW that gave E.ON Energie the remaining 35-percent stake in SNET along with 800 MW of nuclear power procurement rights in France. SNET, which is based in Rueil Malmaison just west of Paris, has 2,500 MW of generation capacity, mainly from coal. The deal, which makes SNET a wholly owned E.ON subsidiary, strengthens our position as France's number-three--and only non-state-owned--generation company and helps spur energy-market competition. E.ON Vertrieb Deutschland ("E.ON Sales Germany") has managed our entire energy sales business in Germany since 2008 and is the first contact point for our customers. Electromobility pilot project: 15 battery-powered Minis have been plying the streets of Munich since July 2009.