The pilot roll-out was initially scheduled for right after Easter but has since been pushed to start May 4th. to ensure sufficient time to implement the necessary measures. Therefore, Energi Viborg Vand and Kamstrup sent out booking letters to all affected customers. In addition to the usual information about which date and time they could expect to receive a visit from an installer, these letters also contained specific information about the precautions that should and would be taken in connection with meter replacement to ensure the safety of the customer as well as the installer. 

This information was based on the official guidelines from the National Board of Health regarding use of disinfection, keeping distance etc. as well as input from the installer company. For example, the end user is required to clean the old meter and the area around it, and the installer must wear gloves and a face mask. 

Planning is key
Throughout the project so far, Energi Viborg Vand, Kamstrup and the installer company have been in very close dialogue, and as a result, things are proceeding as planned. The radio planning was already in order before the lockdown, and the first data collection units had been installed so that we would be ready to roll-out after Easter. The places we had to enter required no or very little human contact. In all but a few cases, our subcontractor could lock themselves in and out. 

If all goes according to plan, the pilot meters will be installed by mid-May. After that, we will be doing a technical clean-up followed by a so-called stability period, before the pilot is concluded. But already in the last week of May, the next batch of meters are set to be installed. This will allow us to see how the first three weeks go in terms of customer contact, so we can make any necessary adaptation to the booking letter and our approach. Only a few vulnerable citizens have contacted Energi Viborg Vand with concerns about having a visit from an installer at this time, and we will of course be adapting our rollout accordingly. 

We will also be doing a comprehensive evaluation after the pilot is completed before proceeding with the rest of the meters. “Our goal is to be able to invoice our customers via remotely read meters by the end of 2021. So whether meter installation in completed in April, May or even later next year, is not crucial to us,” says Flemming Hermann.

“We’re all in this together”
I see three main reasons why the Energi Viborg Vand project has been able to continue and stay on track – and luckily I share this view with Flemming and the rest of his team. The first one has been – and remains – the dedication shown by everyone involved. “Our experience has been that everyone from both Kamstrup and our side have shown a great deal of understanding and willingness to find the best possible way forward at every single step” says Flemming. 

Secondly, it has been a huge advantage that our close relation had already been established during a long period of negotiations before we moved all our meetings to a digital universe. “The mutual confidence and trust between us was already there. That said, I’m surprised at how well video meetings work for us and I’m convinced that our steep learning curve will benefit us going forward – we’ll be able to use just 1 hour for the meeting rather than a typical 3-4 hours that include transport”.

Finally, Energi Viborg Vand has insisted on doing everything in their power to protect our mutual chain and taken great responsibility for the role they play. Especially now, that makes a world of difference. “Ever since the early days of COVID-19, we have considered it our obligation to do all we can to help keep the wheels turning for all of our contractors, Kamstrup included. We’re all in this together.”