20/12/2022
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) ROUND THREE is a mandatory energy assessment and energy-saving identification scheme for businesses in the UK.
ESOS is the EU legislation which requires all member states to introduce a mandatory programme of energy audits for large companies. This means that approximately 1200 of N. Ireland's largest companies may be required to comply with audits to be undertaken by 5th December 2023.
The ESOS Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme aims to save the UK at least £1.6bn in energy costs by 2030. The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme will mandate energy audits for around 1,200 N. Ireland businesses.
An ESOS Report will measure the energy consumption for buildings, transport or processes.
Only a registered lead assessor can sign off on an ESOS audit.
Around 1,200 N. Ireland companies will require an ESOS report before December 2023.
ESOS is a complicated process and as we know your time is valuable. We have listed below a simplified version of do you need to comply with the scheme.
If on 31 December 2022, your organisation employs at least 250 people, or, employs less than 250 people but has an annual turnover in excess of £38,937,777 and an annual balance sheet in excess of £33,486,489 you will have to comply with the scheme.
If you do not comply with the scheme, failure to undertake an ESOS Assessment can have a penalty of up to £50,000; and/or an additional £500 per day penalty for each day starting on the day after the
compliance date that the organisation remains non-compliant, subject to a maximum of 80 days. For making a statement which is false and misleading there is a monetary penalty of up to £50,000.
An energy audit must be completed by the 5th December 2023. At present there are not enough Lead Assessors to undertake all of the audits, if you leave your audit to the very last minute, you may not get the audit undertaken or you could be charged a premium price.
