Greentech Lead Europe: Elektrilevi, the Estonian
electricity distribution network operator, has selected Ericsson to deploy a
smart-metering network in its distributing network. Under an eight-year
contract, Ericsson will supply, deploy, systems integrate and run a
smart-metering network.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will be
responsible for supplying and deploying services on the 2G/3G mobile internet
and power-line communication technologies for management and data information.
“Ericsson’s solution offers us cost savings and
enhanced customer satisfaction. The change from manual meter reading to
automated remote meter reading will ensure more timely and accurate
billing of customers for their actual energy consumption. and, we will get
more precise information from the electricity network and can take faster
action in case of power interruptions and fraud,” said Mait Rahi, manager
of smart metering program Elektrilevi.
Ericsson will install 630,000 smart meters on
Elektrilevi’s network. Following a pilot project involving 5,700 smart meters
this year, the rollout of the rest of the 630,000 smart meters will commence
from 2013 to 2016.
Ericsson will also perform systems integration of the
meter and data management operation support systems (OSS). Ericsson will
operate the smart metering network during the deployment period and provide
maintenance for three years.
The installation will help Estonia to contribute to the
EU target of improving energy efficiency by 20 percent by 2020.
“This project allows Elektrilevi and Estonia to take
a significant step in the development of the Networked Society, where people,
business and society will benefit from devices that are connected in real-time.
This advanced ICT solution will support business development for Elektrilevi,
and the increased information and control of electricity usage will bring
tremendous value to their customers,” said Paolo Colella, head of
consulting and systems integration at Ericsson.