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| Company | Ålands Elandelslag (ÅEA) |
| Location |
Åland Islands (between Finland and Sweden)
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| Timeline | 2025 |
| Project Overview |
Ålands Elandelslag (ÅEA) implemented Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System® to enhance fault detection and improve grid reliability across its island-based distribution network. The solution enables real-time fault location and predictive insights, helping the utility reduce outages and operate more efficiently in challenging environmental conditions. |
| Products | Safegrid Intelligent Grid System® |
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This is a Safegrid Case Study.
Background
ÅEA is the primary electricity provider for the Åland Islands, serving a geographically dispersed network exposed to harsh weather conditions. The region’s infrastructure includes sea crossings and overhead lines, making the grid particularly vulnerable to environmental factors such as strong winds and heavy snow.
Maintaining reliable electricity supply in such conditions requires advanced monitoring capabilities and fast, accurate fault detection to minimize disruptions.
Challenge
ÅEA faced several unique operational challenges:
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Extreme weather conditions, including wind and heavy snowfall
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Frequent wire slap faults, where lines swing and make contact
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Faults that are intermittent and difficult to locate
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Increased risk of outages and potential wildfire hazards
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Time-consuming field patrols without precise fault location data
Wire slap faults were especially problematic, as they often disappeared once weather conditions changed, leaving little evidence for crews to investigate.
Solution
ÅEA deployed Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System® to gain real-time visibility into grid conditions and fault activity.
Key capabilities:
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Accurate real-time fault location
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Continuous monitoring of network performance
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Detection of transient and intermittent faults
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Ability to predict and prevent faults through improved grid transparency
The system enabled operators to quickly identify fault locations and take targeted action, even in difficult weather conditions.
Benefits
The Safegrid solution delivered multiple operational advantages:
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Faster fault detection and localization
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Reduced need for extensive manual field patrols
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Improved response speed and operational efficiency
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Enhanced ability to manage weather-related disturbances
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Increased overall grid reliability and safety
Results
With Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System®, ÅEA achieved:
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Immediate visibility into fault locations
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Faster response times and streamlined field operations
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Reduced outage duration and customer disruption
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Time and cost savings through targeted interventions
“Thanks to Safegrid’s solution, we were able to immediately see the right location of the fault, saving us both time and money.”
— Jan Nordström, Team Leader and Technical Project Designer, Ålands Elandelslag
Conclusion
ÅEA’s deployment of Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid System® highlights how advanced monitoring technology can significantly improve grid reliability in challenging environments. By accurately detecting and locating faults—even transient ones—the utility has strengthened its ability to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity.
This case demonstrates the value of real-time insights and predictive capabilities in modern grid management, enabling utilities to overcome environmental challenges and ensure consistent service for their customers.