SEAI Support Scheme for SME Energy Audits

The energy sector has experienced an increase in fuel costs across the board in the last 12 months, which has prompted many businesses to reevaluate their energy use to find ways to reduce energy costs.

The SEAI recently launched the Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) that allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to appoint an energy auditor to conduct an energy audit on their business. A voucher to the value of €2,000 is provided to successful applicants, which in most cases will cover all costs associated with the audit.

What is an energy audit?

An energy audit is a thorough and systematic review of a company’s energy consumption, investigating energy use to determine appropriate improvements which often deliver immediate cost savings. The auditor will provide a detailed report to deliver the findings, including recommendations on the most effective ways to save energy bills. Energy efficiency is our first renewable fuel, and an energy audit is the first step to energy efficiency.

Support available to SMEs 

SMEs with moderate (less than €10k) energy spend can consider the SEAI Introduction to Energy Management Training available at: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/.

If your business spends more than €10,000 per year on energy bills, then an energy audit is recommended because of the substantial benefits it can bring. SMEs with energy spend of over €10k may be eligible for the SEAI’s Support Scheme for Energy Audits. The SSEA scheme offers a €2,000 voucher to SMEs to cover the costs of an energy audit.

Eligibility for SSEA Scheme:

• non-obligated entities*
• tax compliant
• registered in the Republic of Ireland
• spend at least €10,000 on energy per year at the site being audited

For more information on the SSEA scheme or to put forward an application, please see the following: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/energy-audits/ 

* Non-obligated entities are organisations that do not have to complete an energy audit under Article 8 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (transposed into Irish legislation in SI426). Non obligated entities are either:

• small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or public sector bodies with a functional floor area less than 500m2 and spending less than €35,000 per year on energy

SSEA Application Process:

More information on the SSEA application process can be found at the following: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/small-and-medium-business/supports/energy-audits/SSEA-Applicant-Guidance.pdf 

Information required for an energy audit. / What should you do to prepare for an energy audit?

• Provide the auditor with at least 12 months’ worth of energy bills.
• Provide the auditor with basic information about your organisation and your facility.
• Ensure a member of staff is available to participate with the auditor during the site visit. 

How can ORS help?

ORS are registered auditors on the SEAI SME SSEA panel and offer a nationwide service to eligible businesses to receive this grant. ORS are willing to guide any business through the application process to assist them in acquiring the grant. The information required to apply for this SSEA grant is as follows: 

• Company CRO Number
• Company VAT Clearance Number 
• VAT ID Number

The outputs ORS will provide from this audit are as follows: 

• Energy Action Plan
• Bill Analysis 
• Renewable Readiness
• Recommended Actions 

The contact to arrange a consultation to discuss potential energy audits of your business – Damian Kenny – d.kenny@ors.ie