Fortum Power and Heat, Finland

Finnish utility Fortum Power and Heat has completed the implementation of a Landis+Gyr Advanced Metering Management (AMM) system in the Espoo city area in Finland. The solution covers all of the utility’s heat metering points in the area. AMM system has brought significant advantages such as improved processes and customer service, and it is also generating considerable cost benefits.

Open, interoperable system
The successful collaboration between Fortum Power and Heat and Landis+Gyr started with an extensive cost-benefit analysis in 2002. The customer’s processes were reviewed and various options to improve these processes were considered. Based on the results of the analysis, the utility decided to implement an AMM system in its heat unit. The solution consists of a Landis+Gyr AMM system, modems and meters. The total solution also contains EVL- and Multical heat meters supplied by Kamstrup. This is yet another example how Landis+Gyr AMM system is an open, interoperable system where field devices from multiple vendors can be used. Data transfer to the AMM system is carried out using GSM and GPRS connections.
The project was completed in summer 2008, when all heat meters in the areas of Espoo, Kauniainen and Kirkkonummi were joined to the AMM system. The solution delivers several benefits to both Fortum Power and Heat and its customers.

AMM delivers numerous benefits
Fortum Power and Heat uses AMM measurement data in areas such as consumption analysis, network planning and customer reporting. The hourly measurement data has enabled the creation of a regression measurement system, which shows the individual monthly consumption of district heat compared to the month’s average outside temperature. This information enables the utility to accurately predict the need for contracted water quantity and capacity. As a result, the utility can optimise its network dynamics and production capacity.

Furthermore, implementation of AMM system has enabled Fortum to develop customer reporting. Today, the invoicing process is simpler and more efficient as measurement and customer data are documented in one system and all meters are read remotely.

As a result, Fortum now has more resources available that can be invested in other functions, such as sales and the development of new products. The utility has used these resources to develop a new product, energy certificate, which is mandatory in new construction production.

Opportunities for the end user
Fortum Power and Heat’s customers benefit from AMM implementation: It is easy for the consumer to receive consumption based information regarding their individual electricity consumption and cost. Real-time information enables consumers to monitor consumption peaks or see decreases in consumption levels. AMM also enables consumption based billing and guarantees accurate billing data. Another advantage is improved customer service as Fortum Power and Heat now has more resources and tools available for this function. The utility has, for example, invested in heat interchanger quality control, which has been very beneficial to the customer. Faults and inefficiencies in the heat interchangers are detected quickly and this will benefit the customer financially.

Multienergy solution extending to cover gas
Fortum Power and Heat’s satisfaction with Landis+Gyr’s AMM solution is high and has led the utility to extend the AMM solution for its gas unit. In the near future all of the Fortum’s gas metering points will be joined to the current AMM system through multi-energy meters.