What Kajave does

Kajave Oy is a regulated regional electricity distribution grid company (sähköverkkoyhtiö) operating in Kainuu and parts of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in northern Finland. It holds a statutory monopoly as the designated distribution network operator for its service territory, serving approximately 58,500 metering points that include residential households, commercial customers, industrial and mining loads (notably Mondo Minerals and Terrafame), and approximately 500 MW of connected wind generation across five wind farms. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loiste-yhtiöt (Loiste Group), which is majority-owned by the City of Kajaani (50.1%) with minority stakes held by Sotkamo municipality (16%) and Kanerva Energia Oy (33.9%). Kajave has roots in Kainuu stretching back over 100 years and operates with approximately 50 energy professionals at Loiste Group level.

Kajave's underlying technology consists of physical electricity distribution grid infrastructure including overhead lines (ilmajohto), underground cables (maakaapeli), substations (sähköasema), and 110 kV transmission lines, supplemented by remote-controlled (kauko-ohjattu) grid automation and a smart metering rollout with 15-minute interval measurement (varttimittaus) and HAN-port interfaces. All meter data flows through Landis+Gyr's Datahub Connector to the national Fingrid Datahub, and the company uses Trimble Unity Contract Manager for land use agreement digitization. Capital projects are delivered through two alliance partnerships: Sisu-allianssi (~38 million EUR over 7 years, eastern grid area) and Länsi-allianssi (~45 million EUR over 4+3 years, western grid area). Grid operations and control center services are outsourced to Rejlers.

The business model is a regulated monopoly utility generating revenue primarily through usage-based network service fees (verkkopalvelumaksut) consisting of an energy transfer charge (snt/kWh) and a basic monthly fee (€/kk), supplemented by one-time connection fees (liittymismaksut) for new connections and capacity upgrades. Network service prices rose an average of 4.5% effective 1 March 2026 to fund ongoing investment. Electricity tax (sähkövero) is collected as a pass-through on behalf of the state and is not company revenue. With approximately 25 million EUR in annual grid investment, Kajave operates in a low-volume but capital-intensive growth mode, focused on grid modernization, smart meter compliance by 2029, and integration of renewable energy sources. The company maintains customer relationships through a service desk in Kajaani, phone support, and the Oma Energia self-service portal.

Name

Kajave

Legal name

Kajave Oy

Website

https://kajave.fi

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kajave Oy is a regulated electricity distribution network operator (sähköverkkoyhtiö) holding a statutory monopoly in Kainuu and parts of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland, serving approximately 58,500 residential, commercial, industrial, and renewable energy customers as a subsidiary of Loiste Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electricity Distribution

NAICS

Electric Power Distribution (221122), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112)

SIC

Electric Services (4911), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Power Districts & State/Provincial Utilities (EUADABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Network Upgrades & Capacity Additions (Reconductoring, Rebalancing, Voltage Optimization) (EUAEACAN), Service Drops, Metering & Grid Connections (Last-Mile) (EUAEACAG), SCADA/DMS/OMS Integration, Upgrades & Managed Services (EUAEANAE), Distribution Network Construction (Feeders, Laterals, Service Drops) (IMAFAHAC)

Keywords

• Electricity distribution networks
• Power grid operations
• Electricity connection services
• Smart metering services
• Network maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kajaani

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Sähkönsiirto (Electricity distribution network services): Kajave operates the electricity distribution grid in Kainuu and parts of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa. Revenue is generated through network service fees (verkkopalvelumaksut) charged to all customers connected to the grid, consisting of an energy transfer charge (snt/kWh) and a basic fee (€/kk). Network service prices rose on average 4.5% from 1 March 2026.
2. Sähköliittymät (Connection fees): One-time connection fees (liittymismaksut) charged for new connections to the electricity grid. Additional connection fees apply for capacity upgrades. Connection fees are listed in the connection price list.
3. Sähköveron perintä (Electricity tax collection): Kajave collects electricity tax (sähkövero) from customers on behalf of the state, including energy tax and emergency supply fee. This is a pass-through item, not company revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kajave Oy operates the regulated electricity distribution grid (sähkönjakeluverkko) in the Kainuu region and parts of Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, Finland, serving approximately 58,500 customer metering points through overhead lines, underground cables, and substations. The company provides electricity distribution services (sähkönsiirto), new grid connections (sähköliittymät), electricity meters (sähkömittarit), power quality services (sähkön laatu), cable location information, outage notifications, and the Oma Energia self-service portal under a statutory monopoly granted by the Finnish energy authority.

Product overview

Kajave is a regional electricity grid company providing electricity distribution services in Kainuu and parts of North Ostrobothnia, Finland. The company operates as part of the Loiste Group and offers a comprehensive portfolio of electricity network services including electricity transmission (Sähkönsiirto), electricity connections (Sähköliittymät), electricity metering (Sähkömittarit), and power quality services. Supporting services include cable location information, outage notifications, and the Oma Energia customer portal. The company manages approximately 58,500 electricity meters and maintains extensive distribution infrastructure across its service area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sähkönsiirto (Electricity Distribution) Regulated electricity distribution service (sähkönsiirto) through Kajave's owned medium- and low-voltage grid, with overhead lines, underground cables, and substations delivering electricity to all customers in the service territory 24/7. Pricing consists of an energy transfer charge (snt/kWh) plus a recurring basic fee (€/kk), billed monthly.
• Sähköliittymät (Electricity Connections) Standalone electricity grid connection service (sähköliittymä) for new buildings, summer cottages, and commercial properties, including connection agreements, main fuse sizing, and capacity upgrades. One-time liittymismaksut (connection fees) apply, with separate connection fees for capacity upgrades.
• Sähkömittarit (Electricity Meters / Metering Services) Electricity metering service covering installation, replacement, and reading of meters across Kajave's service territory. New smart meters record consumption at 15-minute intervals and expose a HAN-port interface for third-party devices and EV charging fuse management. Measurement data is transmitted to Fingrid's national Datahub.
• Sähkön laatu (Power Quality Service) Standalone power quality service covering electricity quality monitoring and assurance, supporting customers that require consistent, high-quality supply beyond basic distribution.
• Kaapeleiden sijaintitiedot (Cable Location Information) Free cable location service for excavation sites, delivered through Geomatikk Finland's portal to prevent damage to Kajave's underground cables; both scheduled and urgent requests are supported.
• Oma Energia (Self-Service Portal) Customer self-service portal for managing distribution contracts with Kajave — viewing bills, updating contact details, tracking consumption, ordering outage message subscriptions, and accessing meter data. First-time registration requires bank credential authentication.
• Sähkönjakelun keskeytysviestit (Outage Notification Service) Free opt-in notification service that sends planned outage and unplanned interruption messages to customers via SMS or email, supporting proactive outage management for residential, commercial, and industrial customers on Kajave's grid.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supply interruption duration limits: max 6 hours in urban areas and max 36 hours outside urban areas by end of 2036 (per electricity market law)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• DestiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Destia is the main contractor and responsible for electrical work within the Länsi-allianssi (Western Alliance), serving Kajave's western grid area. The alliance covers distribution grid construction, maintenance, and fault repair for Kajave's western service area (Kajaani, Paltamo, Puolanka, Pyhäntä, Siikalatva, Hyrynsalmi, Ristijärvi, Vaala) for 2026–2029 with option for 2030–2032. ~45 million EUR total value. Part of the Colas Group, a major infra services company.
• Maanrakennus OhtamaacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Maanrakennus Ohtamaa is the civil engineering (maanrakennus) partner in the Länsi-allianssi with Kajave, Destia, and Rejlers. Responsible for earthworks and excavation in the western grid area construction and maintenance projects. Located in Oulu with ~40 specialists.
• RejlerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Rejlers provides electrical network planning (suunnittelu) services within the Länsi-allianssi. It is also the provider of grid operations and monitoring center services (käyttökeskuspalvelut) for Kajave's entire network. A technical consulting firm with over 1,000 experts across 20+ locations in Finland, part of the publicly listed Rejlers Group.
• Enerke OycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Enerke is the main electrical contractor and lead executor for the Sisu-allianssi covering Kajave's eastern grid area (Sotkamo, Kuhmo, Suomussalmi). Also responsible for meter replacements in the eastern area under the smart meter rollout. Contract value approximately 38 million EUR. Also continues to handle substation, network automation, and communication network fault management and maintenance across the entire Kajave grid area.
• Despro Engineering OycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Despro Engineering provides planning and design services (suunnittelu) within the Sisu-allianssi with Kajave, Enerke, and Kuhmon Rakennuspojat. Part of the EKD-ryhmittymä covering eastern grid area investment and maintenance projects.
• Kuhmon Rakennuspojat OycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Kuhmon Rakennuspojat provides civil engineering (massa) works within the Sisu-allianssi. Part of the EKD-ryhmittymä covering eastern grid area projects. Enables local workforce participation in grid construction.
• TrimblesupportingTechnology or IntegrationKajave uses Trimble Unity Contract Manager (Trimble's browser-based application) for land use agreement management (maankäyttösopimusten hallinta). The application integrates land agreements with network data and planned routes from the start, provides real-time agreement status visibility, digital signatures, and automated payment processing via interface with Kajave's customer information system.
• Landis+GyrsupportingTechnology or IntegrationLandis+Gyr provides the Datahub Connector (DHC) service for transmitting measurement data from Kajave's meters to Fingrid's national Datahub, as required by electricity market regulations. This enables Kajave's smart meter data integration with the national data exchange system.
• Geomatikk FinlandsupportingTechnology or IntegrationGeomatikk Finland operates the cable location service portal (geomatikk.fi) through which customers order free cable location services (kaapelinäyttö) before excavation. Kajave's underground cable information is managed through this service. Geomatikk provides both scheduled cable locations (free if ordered 4 business days in advance) and urgent cable locations.
• Eltel Networks Pohjoinen OyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEltel Networks Pohjoinen Oy performs smart meter replacements in Kajave's western grid area (Kajaani–Paltamo–Ristijärvi–Hyrynsalmi–Puolanka–Pyhäntä–Kestilä) as part of the meter replacement program running through 2029.
• Mondo MineralssupportingOthersMondo Minerals operates mining facilities in the Vuokatti/Talvivaara area of Sotkamo. The new 110 kV Eevala–Talvivaara power line is designed to serve Mondo Minerals and Terrafame mining areas, improving power supply reliability for their operations.
• TerrafamesupportingOthersTerrafame operates the Talvivaara mine in Sotkamo. The new 110 kV Eevala–Talvivaara power line is designed to serve the Talvivaara mining area alongside Mondo Minerals, providing enhanced supply reliability for Terrafame's energy-intensive operations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Turku Energia Sähköverkot Oy: DSO serving the Turku area, part of Turku Energia group. Comparable as a regulated Finnish electricity distribution network operator serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers with similar capex and reliability drivers.
• Elenia Oy: One of Finland's largest DSOs serving approximately 430,000 customers primarily in central Finland. Comparable business model as a regulated electricity distribution network operator investing in grid modernization, smart metering, and reliability improvements.
• Tampereen Sähköverkko Oy: Tampere region DSO within the Tampereen Sähköverkko group. Comparable as a Finnish regional distribution network operator investing in grid resilience, smart metering, and renewable integration under regulated tariffs.
• Kuopion Energia Liikelaitos: Kuopio municipal energy group's DSO serving eastern Finland. Comparable as a Finnish regional distribution network operator with similar climate exposure, rural customer mix, and alliance-style construction partnerships.
• Helen Sähköverkko Oy: Helsinki metropolitan area DSO and part of Helen Ltd energy group. Comparable as a Finnish urban/regional distribution network operator serving residential, commercial and industrial customers under a regulated framework.
• Pori Energia Sähköverkot Oy: DSO serving the Pori region on Finland's west coast. Comparable as a smaller Finnish regulated DSO operating distribution grid infrastructure and investing in reliability and smart metering.
• Vantaan Energia Sähköverkot Oy: Vantaa DSO operating in Finland's most populous urban region. Comparable as a Finnish electricity distribution network operator with a similar regulated revenue model and focus on smart metering and grid modernization.
• Caruna Oy: Finland's largest electricity distribution network company, serving over 500,000 customers across southern, western, and northern Finland. Directly comparable as a regulated DSO operating distribution grid infrastructure and investing heavily in weatherproofing and smart metering.

Regional players

• Oulun Energia Sähköverkko Oy: DSO serving the Oulu region in Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, overlapping with Kajave's geographic territory. Comparable as a municipal energy group DSO with similar climate, customer mix, and regulatory framework in the same Finnish region.

Others

• Eltel Networks Oy: Nordic infrastructure service provider building and maintaining electricity distribution networks for Finnish DSOs including Kajave (smart meter rollout in western grid area). Comparable as a vendor/contractor that operates in Kajave's value chain rather than as a competing utility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kajave_sahkover
• Facebookfacebook.com/kajavesahkoverkko
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kajave

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kajave