What area do you work in at Fingrid?
Marja Eronen: I work with various market development tasks, either as an expert or a project lead. One of my roles has been to lead the Nordic working group in the single price-single balance model project and ensure that the Nordic countries begin using the single balance model on 1 November 2021.
Jani Piipponen: I have two main working areas first one includes imbalance settlement processes and customer cooperation with balance responsible parties and eSett. Second one includes the processes related to physical and financial procurement of main grid’s loss power. In the single price-single balance model project, I have been responsible for the national deployment of the model, and I am also involved in Nordic development work on the model.
What did you do before your current job?
ME: I have been with Fingrid for over a year. Before then, I worked 20 years at the Nord Pool power exchange, which focuses on the day-ahead and intraday markets. I was involved in European cooperation in various market development projects, and, most recently, I worked on promoting open competition among exchanges in various regions of Europe. I believe that my experience in exchange markets will be beneficial as transmission system operators develop their own marketplaces.
JP: I have been working at Fingrid for more than 20 years. At first, I worked as an operator in the control centre, which gave me a solid foundation for understanding the interconnections between operation and the markets. I moved from there to the imbalance settlement unit, where my work focused on the development of joint Nordic imbalance settlement. I participated in the establishment of the pan-Nordic imbalance settlement unit, eSett Oy. Over the years, my work has included the development of the imbalance settlement and balancing models, customer collaboration, and working in the role of Development Manager in Markets.
What motivates and inspires you the most in your work?
ME: I am motivated by learning new things, being able to make an impact, and my colleagues. At Fingrid, I have been able to learn about the balancing markets– there is plenty for me to learn in this area. I also enjoy international collaboration.
JP: I am motivated by my colleagues and the level of expertise at Fingrid. My job description has evolved all the time, and I have had plenty of new challenges. Through my work I can be part of development of the significant changes and improvements in the electricity market.
What challenges are you facing in your work at the moment, and what is on the horizon?
ME: When my work on the single balance model is done, the other parallel projects, such as Flow-based, will be my next challenges. In the longer term, climate change and developing the electricity market to respond the needs of the electricity sector are common challenges for us all at Fingrid.
JP: One challenge is that the electricity market is becoming faster-paced and more unpredictable. The Nordic balancing markets will join to the common European platforms, and there will be more and more different factors affecting the entity as a whole.
What do you do to relax outside work?
ME: A suitable balance between work and leisure time. Cleaning can also be relaxing – in moderation.
JP: Normal everyday life with my family and focusing on my children’s activities.
