BESS operation and maintenance — one partner for your battery energy storage system
Caverion brings BESS operation and maintenance together under one contract and one point of contact, covering the entire lifecycle of your asset.
The challenge that BESS owners face
Running a battery energy storage system is more complex than it looks
Availability is key. Every hour a BESS asset is off the market is lost revenue, so operational reliability and simplicity are a must. Finnish regulation also requires a designated Relevant Operator for grid-connected assets, and an Electrical Operation Manager for any electrical installation above 1 kV.
In practice, many owners end up managing a fragmented network of suppliers: one for the substation, another for site maintenance, another for security and access control. Coordination falls back on the owner, and every additional interface adds risk and cost. In our experience, customers want to prioritise simplicity — one contract, one point of contact, and predictable costs.
Key figures
Expertise in BESS operations and maintenance
3,500+ MW
of production under Caverion's Relevant Operator role
40+ substations
under Caverion's Technical Asset Management
20+
in-house, S1-qualified Electrical Operation Managers in Finland
ISO 27001-certified
24/7 Control Center
The solution
One coordinated O&M partner for your BESS asset
Full scope of O&M services
Our single-partner operation and maintenance service provides all the support your BESS asset needs: the Relevant Operator role, a 24/7 Control Center and a host of services guaranteeing safe and predictable operations.
Electrical Operation Manager (EOM)
Statutory electrical oversight for grid-connected assets above 1 kV.
High Voltage (HV) Services
Corrective and preventive maintenance for the substation and electrical infrastructure.
Security services
Access management and CCTV, built to the needs of a BESS site.
Facility Services
Site maintenance, snow clearance and annual audits for the physical plant.
Expert Services and Availability Services
Additional technical and market-facing support when needed.
How it works
24/7 monitoring, one Service Manager, and a clear line to the grid
As Relevant Operator, Caverion maintains operational awareness and control of the plant in the electricity network, as required under the Finnish grid code. This covers data exchange, controls, coordination and switching operations towards the transmission system operator, delivered through a 24/7 Control Center. In a fault situation, the Control Center provides the initial response and restores the connection after a grid fault; if the fault involves equipment failure, corrective measures are initiated and, where needed, supported by technical experts.
A dedicated Service Manager acts as your single point of contact for everything related to the operation of the asset. The Service Manager helps create the maintenance plan, coordinates the agreed services, and reviews and updates the plan as the asset or its requirements change. You'll always know who is responsible for the overall picture.
All of this comes together in Caverion SmartView, a digital platform that brings your asset's documents, data and reports into one place, in real time. SmartView also provides a digital channel for approving, commissioning and monitoring maintenance work orders, and can combine asset, internal grid and substation availability into a single view.
Considering an O&M partner for your BESS asset?
Choosing an operation and maintenance partner for a battery energy storage system is a long-term decision, often made well before the asset is commissioned. In the meantime, our team is available for an initial discussion about your asset's specific requirements, timeline and regulatory obligations.
Frequently asked questions about BESS operation and maintenance
What is BESS and what is it used for?
BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage System. It stores electrical energy in batteries and makes it available when needed, helping to balance electricity supply and demand, support the power grid, and store renewable energy for later use.
What is a Relevant Operator, and why does my BESS asset need one?
The Relevant Operator maintains operational awareness and control of the plant in the electricity network, as required under Finnish grid code. Responsibilities towards the transmission system operator include data exchange, controls, coordination and switching operations. It is a mandatory role for grid-connected assets, not an optional service.
Is an Electrical Operation Manager a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Finnish Electrical Safety Act (Sähköturvallisuuslaki 1135/2016), any electrical installation with a voltage above 1 kV must have a designated Electrical Operation Manager (known locally as "käytönjohtaja"). The role provides formal electrical oversight and ensures maintenance, inspections and operating practices meet statutory requirements.
What does Caverion's 24/7 Control Center do?
The 24/7 Control Center provides continuous operational awareness and control of the asset. It coordinates fault response, switching operations and expert support in cooperation with on-site resources and grid stakeholders, and is ISO 27001-certified.
Does the service cover physical security and site maintenance, or only the electrical side?
Both, if needed. Beyond the Relevant Operator role and electrical maintenance, the service can include Security Services (access management and CCTV) and Facility Services (site maintenance, snow clearance, annual audits) — so physical security and site upkeep don't need to be sourced from separate suppliers.
What maintenance services does Caverion provide for BESS assets?
Caverion provides preventive and corrective maintenance for the substation and electrical infrastructure through its High Voltage Services. Preventive maintenance helps maintain asset availability and prevent unwanted downtime, while corrective maintenance focuses on fast response and efficient repairs after a fault.
