Martin Borgmästars, electricity network designer
Electricity network designers don’t live in the present—they plan how the electricity grid will be expanded and strengthened to meet future societal needs.
“It feels meaningful to be involved in regional development and creating opportunities,” says Electricity Network Designer Martin Borgmästars.
With both his father and grandfather in the electrical field, Martin’s interest in electricity could be described as inherited. After lower secondary school, he trained as an electrician, which he thoroughly enjoyed. During his electrical engineering studies, he was introduced to the Trimble NIS design software used by electricians—and was hooked immediately. After graduating as an engineer, he was hired in 2019 as a Power Systems Engineer at Herrfors.
“We manage the low- and medium-voltage network (0.4–20 kV) within the Herrfors Nät-Verkko area. If someone needs a new electricity connection—for a new home, for instance—it’s our job to design how to bring the power in and assess whether the grid needs to be reinforced.”
Strong Collaboration with Municipalities
Martin is based primarily at the Pietarsaari office, but also conducts site visits in the field. When, for example, he designs lighting for a new residential area, he’s in regular contact with local municipalities regarding various matters.
Martin focuses mostly on Maksamaa and Oravainen, but collaborates with his team on projects also in Pietarsaari, Larsmo, Pedersöre, and Kruunupyy. Their six-person team includes electricity network designers, field planners, and documentation specialists.
“It’s important to actively seek out the information you need. Having worked as an electrician myself and taken part in building lines is a big advantage. I know how to design them in a way that makes the work easier for installers.”
Planning Far into the Future
Old overhead lines are being dismantled and replaced with underground cables, which are better protected. This kind of work requires meticulous, long-term planning.
“When burying cables, we’re planning decades ahead. That’s challenging—especially when you consider how much the industry changes. For instance, in recent years, solar panels have become much more common among customers.”
Government regulations that directly affect grid structures have changed significantly over Martin’s 15-year career. There are many factors to consider in design, and keeping up with developments is not always easy. Still, Martin enjoys his work at Herrfors.
“Being a network designer is flexible—I get to plan my own workdays. If I need to get my car inspected during the day, I can. And if I want to work from home, I have that option too. At Herrfors, we have freedom with responsibility—and that suits me perfectly.”
Haluatko sinäkin herrforsilaiseksi?
Jos haluat monipuolisen, hauskan ja merkityksellisen työn on Herrfors juuri oikea työpaikka sinulle! Etsimme inspiroituneita ja motivoituneita tekijöitä, jotka haluavat olla mukana luomassa kestävämpää tulevaisuutta.
