Remote reading
The remote reading of electric energy metering will be expanded in Helsinki when Helen Sähköverkko Oy, which is responsible for the distribution of electricity in the Helsinki area, replaces the old electricity meters in the suburbs with remotely read electricity meters. The project will be implemented from 2011 to 2012 and upon its completion all electric meters in the Helen Sähköverkko distribution area will be read remotely. At present, some 150,000 customers, mainly in the city centre and the Pakila area, are using remotely read meters.
The replacement with remotely read electric meters is based on a decree issued by the Council of State in the spring of 2009. According to the decree, no fewer than 80% of the places of use must be equipped with smart energy meters by the end of 2013. Helen Sähköverkko will install remotely read meters in all places of use within its distribution area, which means that all customers will have access to uniform services.
Customers will be informed of installations and their specific schedules as the date of meter replacement approaches. The installation of meters will not require any special measures on the part of customers nor will it result in separate costs to them. Instead, the cost of meter replacement will be included in the transmission charge. Should the meter be inside a residence, the time for meter installation will be agreed upon with the customer.
Remote meter reading makes it possible to read an electricity meter and control its functions through a remote connection. Changing over to remote reading is aimed at improving customer service and the efficiency of metering and customer processes as well as the maintainability of metering equipment.
New electricity meters bring benefits such as the following:
- Easier-to-understand electricity bills
- Smoother customer service
- More information on energy use
- Novel products and services
We will inform our customers of new services and possibilities when the new remotely read meters have been installed and new services are possible.
The meters in the suburban areas will be installed by Are Oy.
Time-table for the installation of remotely read meters
