Energy Audits for SMEs
This scheme supports Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), employing 10-249 employees, in carrying out an Energy Audit. The Agency will refund the cost of carrying out the audit as per amounts detailed in the table below. The amount of aid provided depends on the size of the enterprise and the sector in which it operates.
Grant Amounts
| Category | Description | Medium | Small Size |
| Category 1 | Enterprises in NACE groups C, G, I, Q-Subgroups 86 and 87, M-Subgroup 72, and R | € 6,000 | € 4,000 |
| Category 2 | Enterprises in all other NACE groups | € 4,000 | € 2,500 |
An additional grant of €500 can be given under the scheme when the required optional template (part of the Audit Summary Template) is submitted. These amounts apply for both Scheme A and Scheme B, only the percentage of the refund varies.
Scheme A – Fully Subscribed
Scheme A applies for enterprises who are eligible under the De Minimis regulation, i.e. have not received more than €300,000 in state aid over the past 3 years. This is to include all financial support received that falls under the De Minimis Regulation. Under this scheme 100% of the audit cost is refunded up to the capping of the table above. The list of aid received is to be declared in the State Aid Declaration form to be attached to the application form as per below.
Scheme B – Closed
Scheme B applies for the enterprises that do not qualify under scheme A, but can still benefit from the scheme as per General Block Exemption Regulation. Under Scheme B small enterprises are refunded 80% of the audit cost up to the capping, whilst for medium enterprises the refund is 70%.
How does it work?
| 1. Application (Scheme A or B) is submitted via website or email | 2. Application is reviewed and Letter of Intent is issued | 3. Enterprise carries out energy audit, submits Report and Summary to EWA | 4. Enterprise submits bank details and fiscal receipts and refund is issued |
What about the Energy Audit?
The Energy Audit must be carried out by an accredited Energy Auditor (list is available on REWS website), who studies how energy and water is used by the company and provides a detailed analysis. Energy Audits are not restricted to electrical energy consumption, but also cover other areas of enterprise operations, such as water, travel, and fuels.
As part of the Energy Audit the auditor will provide a list of recommendations to improve consumption and also suggest any funding schemes that may be applicable to implement these recommendations. The Energy Audit Report submitted to the Agency must be in line with the Schedule and the Audit Summary Template is also to be submitted.
Energy Audit Information Material
The following guides offer more information on what is to be included in the report and guidelines on technical data to be used for the report.
