Voimatel’s experts work on 110 kV transmission networks / Järvi-Suomen Energia

Voimatel’s experts work on 110 kV transmission networks

Reliable service based on long experience in projects and maintenance work

Järvi-Suomen Energia is responsible for distributing electricity to over 100,000 households in the area covered by the Suur-Savon Sähkö Group. The network is being extended and existing sections repaired on a continual basis. Known to be a trusted operator, Voimatel has been chosen as a partner for constructing several 110 kV projects as well as for maintaining 110 kV networks. The latest project concerns the construction of a new 110 kV transmission network in the Kangasniemi and Joutsa region. For 5 km at the start and end of the line, the old line will be dismantled and replaced by a new one. Voimatel’s experienced and committed transmission network experts were instrumental in securing the project and have a key role in ensuring its progress on schedule and completion in May.

– We have carried out several projects together and learnt to cooperate with their key personnel. Voimatel’s processes are interwoven in our processes. We know who to ask and who is asking,” Matti Puranen, Environmental Manager at Suur-Savon Sähkö Oy, describes the basis of cooperation. The quality produced by Voimatel and a working customer relationship are important factors since a contractor represents the energy company on the site.

– At workplace meetings, things are always agreed and compromises worked out together. It’s important that the customer is looked after at every stage of the project until the guarantee inspection is passed, and the project is declared complete. It matters how happily repairs are made at the final stage, how the trenches are cleaned up and how the landowners are considered. We want these things to be in order and check who takes best care of us, Puranen stresses.

Voimatel’s Project Manager Olavi Hyry says that several projects have been carried out in the past few years in the area covered by Järvi-Suomen Energia. In the construction and dismantling project involving a 9 km line in Juva and Vehmaa, Voimatel acted as the main contractor and carried out the project together with trusted subcontractors.

– Voimatel has an extensive network of subcontractors. We have good relations with our subcontractors and working together with them we are able to deliver guaranteed quality.

The Juva-Vehmaa project and the 18-kilometer line between Yövesi and Säyneenlahti were implemented with a unique I-pole solution. This enabled the use of 110 kV and 20 kV lines in the same structure. Currently, only Voimatel offers this solution to its customers. However, the choice of the pole solution is always a matter for discussion with the customer. Matti Puranen is pleased with Voimatel’s manner of offering new solutions:

– Voimatel has responded well to our need for development. The I-pole solution makes it possible to narrow the overhead line corridor and simplify construction. There are also other pole solutions available, but a challenger like Voimatel is needed to make the industry move forward, Matti Puranen thinks.

The lightweight I-pole also requires a smaller foundation and lighter installation equipment as well as reducing the strain on the terrain. Installation by helicopter is possible in challenging terrain, and the Finnish-made brown Corten steel pole blends in well in the Finnish forest landscape.

Expert maintenance and repairs by Voimatel

The maintenance co-operation between Voimatel and Järvi-Suomen Energia that started in 2001 has been extended. Currently, the competent and experienced team of Voimatel works under a maintenance agreement performing maintenance, inspections and repairs for Järvi-Suomen Energia – all 110 kV lines covering 440 km will be inspected during the summer of 2017. Acute faults will be repaired immediately.

Co-operation with Voimatel is uncomplicated and open, and you can rely on their quality. Hannu Rautio, Operations Engineer at Järvi-Suomen Energia, who assumed responsibility for the management of the maintenance of 110 kV lines a year ago, mentions that the professional attitude of a reliable partner was a great help when he started. The total package must be under control.

“The choice of contractor is influenced by the quality of work, its price and the length of outages resulting from the contractor’s work. When these factors are optimal, the choice is obvious. At the moment, there is a sense of trust in the relationship with Voimatel,” says Rautio.

“The choice of contractor is influenced by the quality of work, its price and the length of outages resulting from the contractor’s work. When these factors are optimal, the choice is obvious. At the moment, there is a sense of trust in the relationship with Voimatel.”

Hannu Rautio, Operations Engineer
Järvi-Suomen Energia