News articles 18.03.2026
Savon Voima Verkko and Aidon expand long standing partnership with Metering as a Service
Savon Voima Verkko, a Finnish distribution system operator, is renewing its metering system in a major programme that will replace around 120,000 electricity meters with Aidon’s next‑generation smart meters. Building on a collaboration that spans more than two decades, the companies have signed a new long‑term agreement for Aidon’s meter reading service. Savon Voima Verkko installed its first Aidon smart meter for a customer back in 2005 and was among the first DSOs to use meter data for low‑voltage network monitoring.
With 2G service being phased out, Savon Voima Verkko is upgrading the communication technology when replacing the meters. Nearly half of customers already have Aidon 7000‑series meters, which communicate via a local radio network (RF technology) and LTE‑M mobile connectivity.
MaaS model frees up resources for development
The partnership is based on a Metering as a Service (MaaS) model, in which meter reading and operation of the metering infrastructure are purchased as a service. In practice, Aidon is responsible for meter reading, device connectivity, and the collection and delivery of metering data into market processes.
According to Mikko Vähäsaari, who is responsible for metering services at Savon Voima Verkko, the service model has freed up resources for development at a time when metering‑related regulation is evolving rapidly. Thanks to the MaaS model, the small metering team can focus on process development, fault management, and using meter data to support network planning and operations, instead of spending time chasing daily readings and exceptions.
– We’ve seen significant change in metering in recent years: the Datahub went live, and a new metering regulation came in. On top of these are the more frequent data delivery and introduction of load‑control interface. The outsourced service model helps us maintain efficiency and high‑quality customer service, Vähäsaari says.
Automation and seamless collaboration
The day‑to‑day collaboration with Aidon is largely automated. The systems detect anomalies, such as missing time series, allowing Customer Service to close simple cases and the metering team to take on more complex investigations. A named Service Manager at Aidon serves as the primary contact for the MaaS service, and monthly service reviews cover reading performance, emerging issues, and development topics.
– We haven’t had to worry about whether basic data collection works. When challenges have arisen, I’ve been able to trust that Aidon will resolve them, Vähäsaari notes.
Joint development opens new possibilities
The role of next‑generation smart meters now extends beyond measuring energy consumption. Leveraging meter data, Savon Voima Verkko aims to improve power quality, target network investments more cost‑effectively, and develop new services for its customers. For example, in the event of a neutral fault, the meter automatically disconnects power for safety reasons. At the same time, a message is sent to the customer, and a field crew is dispatched.
– Our goal is to identify network issues before the customer notices any disruption, Vähäsaari says.
The collaboration is characterised by continuous development.
We appreciate that Aidon proactively brings new ideas and explains what the meters can measure. In turn, we can comment and influence development even before new features are released. Through Aidon, we’ve gained access to many useful new features and data packages. It makes the collaboration genuinely valuable in the DSO’s daily operations, Vähäsaari adds.
