ÅEA (Åland’s Elandelslag - Åland power distributor) opts for a complete Omnia Smart Grid-system to upgrade its meter reading system from a simple AMR to a complete large scale Smart Grid including 15,000 smart meters, a wireless communication infrastructure and software for meter data management.

Positive business case

ÅEA expects the new system to bring about a positive Smart Grid business case owing to the enhanced meter reading performance that will procure real time data for the sake of invoicing based on hourly meter readings, and furthermore enable grid optimization and a smooth integration of renewable energy sources. By this investment, ÅEA is preparing for future legislation demands and higher customer demands for measuring services.

Hourly readings

ÅEA’s previous PLC-based AMR-system was unable to meet new demands for hourly readings. Jan Wennström, CEO at ÅEA explains: “We have invested in a high performing system that is capable of delivering real time data from all consumers and from the outermost ends of the low voltage grid. Our previous AMR had become outdated because our needs for information are continuously increasing. We must be able to make precise estimates and diagnostics in order to optimize our grid performance and make targeted trouble shooting and targeted investments. It is not enough to have a meter reading system for billing purposes alone. We need to harvest more data from more parameters, which will help us build a positive business case.”

Best total solution

Kamstrup was chosen because the company could offer the best total solution, and because of the exceptional usability of the plug and play Omnia metering system. According to Jan Wennström, Kamstrup has a high technological reputation including the best radio communication on the market, and a reputation for being a reliable and stable partner. ÅEA has previously had convincing experiences with Kamstrup meters, and trusts in the supplier to be a warrant for high quality products.