One of Iceland’s oldest pressure-controlled networks
Nowadays, the pressure control system is mainly used in remote areas and summerhouses. HS Veitur hf. is therefore in the rather unique position of Iceland’s oldest utility operators to still use pressure controllers.

Why are meters needed?
Danfoss’s representative in Iceland has confirmed that the manufacturer of the AVD controllers used by the operator from the start will soon stop production. This was announced several years ago. From 2004 to 2008, a trial was conducted using AVQ controllers, also supplied by Danfoss. They have proved to be unreliable, with a high failure rate and subsequent inconvenience for consumers. The next option for HS Veitur is therefore to adopt a flow metering system. Our customers have also expressed their desire to be able to buy metered water.

Replacing controllers in Suðurnes
It will take two to three years to replace controllers with meters in the Suðurnes region. It may not be possible to make this switch in more remote areas where controllers restrict overflow due to the temperature of the water supplied. HS Veitur engineers will install and manage the meters.

Type of meters
The meters that will be installed are of the type T550 from Landis+Gyr, see further information on www.landisgyr.dk. The meters come with a remote reading device, meaning there is no need to estimate consumer usage. Information on usage is fed directly into the company’s billing system, and information can be updated every 24 hours.

Does this mean higher prices?
This change should not result in higher prices, i.e. our tariffs will not increase. The tariffs for district heating where controllers are used assumes a 67.8% utilisation of the maximum flow rate. These changes should therefore reduce costs for customers who use less than these 67.8%. Those with more consumption above 67.8% may experience higher prices if they do not alter their usage in any way.

What does 67.8% utilisation of the potential maximum flow rate mean?
A user with a controller setting of 2 L/m, i.e. 120 litres per hour or 2,880 litres every 24 hours, will be able to use a maximum of 86,400 liters per month, assuming 100% flow, which means approximately 86.4 m³ of water. For this potential usage, HS Veitur has billed according to 67.8% average use, or 58.5 m³. As the flow through the meters is not regulated by controllers, homeowners should monitor their hot water use and check their heating systems to avoid unnecessary use of hot water. We advise asking a plumber to check your equipment to make sure that your heating systems are balanced to save costs and avoid disruptions.