Finnish energy companies Kuopion Energia and Graninge Kainuu Oy have decided to implement Tekla's Xpower network information system.

Tekla Xpower supports the operations of energy distribution companies in a versatile way, from planning and documentation of the network, to real-time operational support and maintenance management. More than 70 companies worldwide use the system.

“In the initial stage of the project, we conducted an internal survey of our employees' requirements and desires. We also charted possible suppliers, as well as interviewed other companies that had already initiated the selection process. Three candidate suppliers took part in the tendering phase, and as a result of a two-year process, we decided in favor of the system offered by Tekla Corp.,” said Seppo Mäkelä, network designer manager at Graninge Kainuu Oy.

According to Mäkelä, Tekla's reliability as supplier, experience of the industry and strong references contributed to the selection, along with the fact that the chosen system met the company's requirements made the decision easier. The information system will help manage the maintenance of Graninge Kainuu's network and minimize the effects of outages.

The Xpower network information system to be used in Kainuu covers life-cycle management of the entire network, network documentation, network calculation, planning, operational support and maintenance.

Graninge Kainuu also will implement the browser-based WebMap application that enables fast and efficient viewing of real-time data, such as maintenance information, with an Internet browser.

Graninge Kainuu Oy is a part of the Scandinavian Graninge Group. In Finland, the group includes: Graninge Suomi Oy; Graninge Energia Oy; Graninge Kainuu Oy; Ekosähkö Oy, noted for selling “green” electricity; and Kajaanin Lämpö Oy, a district heating company.

Kuopion Energia made the decision to implement Xpower at the end of 2002, after conducting an extensive survey of network information systems in the market that would fulfills its present and future needs.

According to Lauri Siltanen, development manager at Kuopion Energia, Tekla Xpower is a powerful concept with high-quality features for almost all aspects of the network management process.

Tekla will invest in product development in the future as well, so this is a constantly developing product. Kuopion Energia's aim is for controlled and prompt implementation of the new system, and it is confident in Tekla's expertise in this respect.

Kuopion Energia, a municipal enterprise owned by the city of Kuopio, supplies electricity, district heating and related services.

The project has commenced in Kainuu and Kuopio, and Tekla's network information system will be in production use at both energy companies during the spring of 2003.
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