SMEs can avail of a €2,000 voucher to cover energy audit that provides tailored recommendations to reduce energy bills.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has launched a new audit scheme to help SMEs take control of their energy usage.
The scheme will provide SMEs with a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit.
“Energy audits really empower businesses, providing them with the information they need to make the best decisions for their organisation”
An energy audit identifies tailored energy saving opportunities that can save businesses up to 30 percent on their energy bills and help to reduce their climate impact.
The audit will also assess whether renewable energy technologies are a viable option for their business.
Empowering businesses
“Energy audits really empower businesses, providing them with the information they need to make the best decisions for their organisation,” explained William Walsh, CEO of the SEAI.
“This is also a great opportunity for energy auditors to provide their expertise to the SME sector on where energy is being used and what actions are going to be most effective at improving energy efficiency.”
To be eligible, SME applicants must; be must be registered in Ireland with the facility to be audited located in Ireland also, spend at least €10,000 per year on energy, have fewer than 250 employees and have an annual turnover of less than €50m or balance sheet of less than €43m.
Vouchers will be awarded to SMEs who will use it to pay the SEAI registered auditor, once the audit is complete. Only auditors registered with the SEAI can claim the cost of the voucher from SEAI.
SMEs from all sectors and public bodies are encouraged to apply. SEAI recommends that SMEs contact their nominated auditor in advance, to ensure that the voucher will cover the cost of their audit. Further information on the Support Scheme for Energy Audits can be found here
“This is a really exciting opportunity for all SMEs who really want to save energy, but don’t know where to start,” said Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Environment, Climate Action and Communities.
“This scheme from SEAI will support high-quality, practical energy audits that will clearly lay out what they should do, and how they should do it. Armed with this information, our SMEs will be able to take action on energy, which will save them money and make a vital contribution to our climate change goals.”
By John Kennedy (john.kennedy3@boi.com)
Published: 19 July 2021
