Opinion|Reader’s opinion
In Finland, the outdoor lighting network is separate and relatively weak from the actual electricity distribution.
Matti Laukkanen suggested (HS Opinion 27.1.)that the city of Helsinki would build sockets along the streets so that residents could charge their electric cars from the electricity grid for street lights.
More recharging points are needed, but unfortunately the electricity grid for street lights is not the answer. In Finland, the outdoor lighting network is separate and relatively weak from the actual electricity distribution. During daylight hours, there is no electricity in Helsinki’s outdoor lighting network, so charging will not be possible. In addition, the outdoor lighting network lacks a separate protective earth conductor to ensure that the car being charged does not become dangerously live.
Charging the car will cause electrical distortion, which could also cause problems for LED lights and other sensitive electronics connected to the same network, such as traffic lights supplied from street lighting centers. The mains reserve is dimensioned in such a way that the lighting is not endangered, for example during equipment renewals or cable damage.
Fortunately, Helsinki has an excellent electricity distribution network. Especially in a dense downtown, it’s worth building efficient charging points so that individual cars don’t take up charging space for long periods of time.
The city aims to increase the share of electric cars in the vehicle fleet and to increase the share of public recharging points to about 10 percent. There are currently about 200 public charging points for electric cars in the public areas of Helsinki. The next competition for new charging stations will be held this spring.
Most of the charging of Helsinki cars is done at home or at work, ie where the car is stored the most. Thus, housing companies have a significant role to play in promoting the electrification of transport in Helsinki. At its best, a charging option in a condominium can increase the value of a property and improve resident satisfaction. The law also obliges housing companies with more than four parking spaces to install charging capacity in their parking spaces when more extensive alterations are being made to the property.
The energy experts of the City of Helsinki offer free advice to Helsinki-based apartment building companies on the construction of charging points. Housing companies can also apply for a state grant to build charging points.
Olli Markkanen
Head of the Urban Technology Unit
Aleksi Heikkilä
energy renaissance team leader
City of Helsinki, urban environment industry
The reader’s opinions are the speeches written by HS’s readers, selected and delivered by HS’s editorial staff. You can leave a comment or read the principles of writing at www.hs.fi/kirjtamielipidekirjoitus/.
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