The installation of Schneider Electric-supplied meter management system represents part of the country’s smart electricity network of the future, facilitating more efficient energy use, while supporting the transition towards a more ecological energy system.
In addition, the smart technology helps to lower the number and duration of power outages.
Installed by Eltel Networks, the meters also enables provision of advanced services well beyond the minimum requirements set by the Finnish legislation, which seeks hourly-based meter reading by the end of 2013, according to the company.
Fortum Electricity Solutions and Distribution executive vice president Timo Karttinen said the Finnish consumers are becoming increasingly interested in their own electricity consumption, which will increase with shift to the hourly electricity consumption measurement and real-time billing.
”Our Finnish customers can look up their electricity consumption online through the Fortum Valpas service, where consumption can be monitored on an hourly basis,” Karttinen added.
Finland Housing and Communications Minister Pia Viitanen said, "The smart electricity network gives all Finns the possibility to make choices that conserve energy and the environment.”
Project Manager Harri Hauta-aho said, ”The meters were installed according to schedule and our customers provided very good feedback about the installation technicians.”
The installation of new meters in the remaining 0.5% of distribution customers is expected to complete in the next few months.
