PKS Sähkösiirto relies on Norelco’s products in building a reliable electricity network

Jukka Leppänen has been working with Norelco since 2002, first in the role of contractor and then as a customer. “I used to work for Enerke, which is a contracting company of the electricity company Pohjois-Karjalan Sähkö. Even back then I noticed that Norelco truly listens to the customer and develops its products.”

Pohjois-Karjalan Sähkö Oy (PKS) is a Finnish electricity company owned by municipalities, and electricity distribution is an important element of its business. PKS’s Group company PKS Sähkönsiirto Oy is in charge of the distribution business. Domiciled in Joensuu, Eastern Finland, the Group invests EUR 30 million annually to ensure the security of electricity supply.

Improving the security of supply is driven by the 2013 legislation reform according to which power outages in areas in which a local detailed plan is in force may not last more than six hours or more than 36 hours in other areas. Switching from overhead power lines to underground lines is essential in meeting the legislative requirements.

“We have made steady progress in this work, and in 2021, 50 per cent of our customers were covered by a secure supply network. We are now working outside the built-up areas and moving towards the periphery,” says PKS Sähkösiirto’s Project Manager Jukka Leppänen.

“By 2036, our entire 22,000-kilometre network will fulfil the statutory requirements.”

NORELCO’S PRODUCTS INCLUDED IN PKS SÄHKÖNSIIRTO’S SUPPLIER LIST THANKS TO QUALITY AND DURABILITY

PKS Sähkönsiirto carries out a competitive tender process to select the contractors who are in charge of network construction and supplier choices. However, the suppliers must be chosen from the list approved by PKS Sähkönsiirto. Norelco is one of the approved suppliers.

“The list includes suppliers and their products that meet our requirements concerning quality, standards, functionality and safety,” Leppänen explains.

“For us, it is important that the products are of high quality, last 40 to 50 years in use and are safe to use.”

In addition to the above, criteria in favour of using Norelco’s kiosk-type transformer substations, reactive power compensation devices and other products include value for money and the number of claims.

“Claims concerning Norelco’s products are few and far between. The few that have occurred have been dealt with exemplarily. Dealing with claims is an important part of the supply chain,” Leppänen says.

CO-OPERATION WITH NORELCO RUNS SMOOTHLY

Leppänen appreciates the opportunity to co-operate with a Finnish, not to mention regional, player.

“Co-operation with a Finnish family business runs smoothly. We have been to Norelco’s factory and have had the opportunity to test the remote control of kiosk-type transformer substations, for instance. The idea behind remote control is that the only thing that happens in the field is installation. Remote control is tested at the factory before delivery.

“We have also developed, together with Norelco, one-kilovolt switches to be installed on electrical poles, among other things. In the process, we as the customer, the contractor and Norelco’s professionals are all able to provide our expert views on the product.”