Towards a Data-Driven Future:
Falu Energi & Vatten’s Strategic Journey
Falu Energi & Vatten (FEV) is embarking on a major digital transformation. Together with HiQ, the company is currently conducting a feasibility study that will lay the foundation for a strategy enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization. We spoke with Mattias Jansson, Head of Development and IT and project sponsor at FEV, to discuss the ambitions, drivers, and early insights.
What prompted you to initiate this feasibility study?
“We’ve known for some time that we’re sitting on a lot of valuable data – but it’s scattered, difficult to access, and often tied to specific systems or individuals. At the same time, expectations for efficiency, customer service, and real-time insight are increasing. We needed a unified strategy to make the most of this asset. This study is our first step toward working more data-driven – in a structured, secure, and value-creating way.”
What’s your vision for FEV as a data-driven organization?
“Our vision is to make better decisions – faster, and based on the right data. It’s about improving internal processes as well as the quality of our services for residents. In the long run, we see data-driven insights contributing to our sustainability goals, improving operations and maintenance, and even enabling new business opportunities. AI will play a key role – but first, we need the right foundations in place.”
What does the feasibility study include?
“Together with HiQ, we’re focusing on three main areas: technical mapping, strategic and financial direction, and the potential of AI. We’re running workshops, conducting interviews across departments, and testing a concrete use case through a Proof of Concept. The result will be a strategy, action plan, and decision-making material for our management team.”
What needs have you identified so far?
“We’ve identified a clear need for a central data platform – a secure way to collect, structure, and access data. There’s also a need for a shared terminology and data governance model so the whole organization speaks the same language. On top of that, we have many siloed initiatives. There’s strong drive within the organization, but coordination is key to moving forward.”
How has the collaboration with HiQ been so far?
“Very good. They’ve been both responsive and proactive. We appreciate their ability to combine technical know-how with a holistic perspective. They challenge us in the right way, ask the right questions, and have provided insights we wouldn’t have reached on our own. It’s also reassuring that they have experience from similar journeys in other organizations.”
What’s the next step after the feasibility study?
“Once we have a finalized strategy and action plan, we’ll start implementing in phases. The first step will be setting up the technical infrastructure and introducing initial AI use cases. At the same time, we’ll need to invest in skills, processes, and culture. This is a transformation journey that’s just as much about people as it is about technology.”
Finally, where do you hope FEV will be in three years?
“That working data-driven is a natural part of how we operate. That decisions are based on facts rather than gut feeling. That we can act faster, smarter, and more proactively – benefiting our operations, the environment, and our customers. And that we continue to be a role model for other municipal companies looking to take similar steps.”
About the Project
The feasibility study for Falu Energi & Vatten is carried out in partnership with HiQ and runs during the spring of 2025. The work includes technical and strategic mapping, AI analysis, and a Proof of Concept for data platform solutions. The goal is to define a strategy for data-driven decision-making and long-term digital development.
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