Smart metering is a key element in smart grid solutions. It is estimated that over 800 million smart meters will be installed worldwide by 2020. A wide use of smart grid technology will save transmission and distribution costs, reduce CO2 emissions and facilitate the transition to renewable energy.
One of Norway’s energy companies has selected Ericsson as sole supplier of a smart metering solution. This partnership, which includes delivery of 180,000 smart meters, will support a large-scale modernisation of the Norwegian power grid and ensure efficient technology and processes transformation. Skagerak Nett’s customers will get new smart electricity meters starting from next year. Smart metering introduction ensures more transparent charging models and supports efficient consumption behaviour.
Geir Kulås, CEO of Skagerak Nett, says: “We are very pleased with the choice of Ericsson and look forward to a cooperation that will give our customers even better power grids. Taking on transformation approach will enable us to upgrade the grid to boost capacity and manage peak demands.”
As part of the agreement, Ericsson is responsible for delivery and integration of a complete smart metering solution. The project is expected to be completed by 2019. In addition, Ericsson will be responsible for operations, support and maintenance of the solution during the project period.
Charlotta Sund, president of Region Northern Europe and Central Asia, Ericsson says: “This is a breakthrough deal in the Norwegian utility sector and strengthens the ICT-profile of the energy industry in Norway. This also marks another step in the use of ICT for the evolution of the energy systems globally. The main drivers of the smart grid are sustainable energy supply, distributed generation and energy efficiency. With our global scale and expertise, we will be able to support Skagerak during their transformation journey to meet the needs of the utility industry of the future.”
As a global communications with extensive multivendor systems integration experience, Ericsson is well placed to partner with utilities as they transform their electricity distribution networks into smart grids. More than 42 million smart meters are enabled by platforms which are developed, operated or maintained by Ericsson including those in the Nordic region: in Sweden, Finland and Estonia.
