12/09/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER PALMA

POWER supply company Endesa has begun replacing old electricity metres in some buildings in Coll d'en Rabassa with so-called “intelligent” units.
These revolutionary devices are electronically linked to a computerised billing system monitoring client consumption.
The substitutions made at Coll d'en Rabassa yesterday are the first of an ongoing programme of eliminating the old-style electricity metres which is envisaged over a 5-year period. The move will affect 13 million clients across the country.

The first new so-called “intelligent” units, confirmed Endesa yesterday have been installed in homes in Calles: Can Cabrer, Joan Monserrat, Cami de Can Pastilla, Darwin, Can Caimari, Sant Joan de Deu, Son Fangos, Arxiprest Borras, Bartomeu calafell, Passeig de Cala Gamba and Josep Malberti. The work undertaken so far has meant replacing 1'010 of the old metres.

The new installations are costing Endesa more than 1'600 million euros but will generate 2'000 jobs. If it remains on schedule, the project will be three years ahead of the timeframe envisaged by both Spanish and European legislation for its completion.

Before the end of the year, sources close to the Endesa programme said yesterday, the company hopes to replace a total of 8'000 metres in Palma. The same sources said that by 2015, some 600'000 old metres will have been removed from properties in the Balearics and replaced with “intelligent” units.

The technical work required for the undertaking, said Endesa, is not forecast to provide any nuisance to electricity company clients as they do not need to be present when technicians call as long as the metres are accessible. The switch is apparenty a “simple” job but the company is sending out explanatory letters to clients.

The “intelligent” units are designed to instantly reveal the level of current electricity consumption to the client. Users will therefore be able to apply for the most appropriate tariffs to suit their electricity needs. Additionally the new technology will allow disconnection and reconnection, change of tariffs and power control from a remote terminal.