Elektrilevi selects Ericsson for smart metering in Estonia

Ericsson as prime integrator will supply, deploy, systems integrate and run a smart-metering network
Includes deployment of 630,000 smart meters and the Operation Support Systems (OSS) to manage meters and data collected
Smart meters offer cost reductions and improved efficiency, as well as enhanced customer satisfaction
Elektrilevi, the major Estonian electricity distribution network operator, has signed an eight-year contract with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to supply, deploy, systems integrate and run a smart-metering network.

Estonia is one of many countries that are installing smart meters to contribute to the EU target of improving energy efficiency by 20 percent by 2020. Elektrilevi has nearly a half-million subscribers on its network.

Smart meters make it possible for consumers to control their energy consumption and reduce costs by supporting new tariff models from utility companies, and supporting more accurate and timely billing. Utilities benefit from increased operational knowledge, the elimination of manual meter reading and savings  through fraud detection. .

Ericsson will supply and deploy services on the 2G/3G mobile internet and power-line communication technologies for management and data information, including deployment of 630,000 smart meters. Ericsson will also perform systems integration of the meter and data management operation support systems (OSS). Ericsson will operate the smart metering network during the deployment period.

Mait Rahi, Manager of Smart Metering Programme Elektrilevi, says: "Ericsson's solution offers us cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. The change from manual meter reading to automated remote meter reading will ensure more timely and more accurate billing of customers for their actual energy consumption. and, we will get more precise information from the electricity network and can take faster action in case of power interruptions and fraud."

Following a pilot project involving 5,700 smart meters this year, the rollout of the rest of the 630,000 smart meters will take place from 2013 to 2016. After that, Ericsson will provide maintenance for three years and Elektrilevi will have the option of extending the maintenance contract until 2025.

Paolo Colella, Head of Consulting and Systems Integration at Ericsson, says: "This project allows Elektrilevi and Estonia to take a significant step in the development of the Networked Society, where people, business and society will benefit from devices that are connected in real-time. This advanced ICT solution will support business development for Elektrilevi, and the increased information and control of electricity usage will bring tremendous value to their customers."

NOTES TO EDITORS
About Ericsson CSI
Ericsson wins European smart metering award
Smart Metering Case Study: Acea
Ericsson to supply Managed Services to Acea for Automatic Meter Reading


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About Elektrilevi

Elektrilevi supplies electricity to almost all households and companies in Estonia. Our role as a network operator is to ensure the constant supply of electricity to our customers. We maintain and repair almost 61,000 kilometers of power lines and more than 22,000 substations. We have almost 475,000 customers across Estonia.

About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.

Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2.5 billion subscribers.

We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company had revenues of SEK 226,9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

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