Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme
The Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS) places obligations on energy suppliers to achieve specific annual energy savings targets across the residential, commercial and energy poverty sectors. Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive obliges Member to deliver savings of 1.5% of annual energy sales to final customers. In Ireland, the EEOS is projected to deliver half of the required 1.5% target.
The EEOS will encourage energy suppliers to become an energy services company that works collaboratively with its customers to identify potential savings. They will share the benefits that these savings could deliver.
Reducing energy demand through energy efficiency obligations will bring about benefits to everyone in society. Lower energy demand mean:
Less emissions;
Less transmission and distribution losses;
Reduces wholesale prices for all consumers, not just for those who cut their energy demand;
The EEOS is managed by SEAI on behalf of the DCCAE
Further Information on the EEOS
EEOS Guidance Document provides a description of the procedures and rules around the Scheme.
Energy Audits
"An energy audit is often the very first step in making your company more efficient and cost-effective. The audit can help you to assess how much energy your company wastes and to evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. But remember, audits alone don't save energy: you need to also implement the recommended improvements."
Maurizio Castelli, Council Member of the Province of Mantova for Energy and Innovation, Italy
Article 8 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) places obligation on Member States to prescribe Large Enterprises to carry out energy audits by December 5th, 2015. The obligation also stipulates that the Government must develop programmes to encourage Small and Medium size Enterprises to undergo energy audits. These audits will help to improve their energy consumption.
Many of Ireland's larger companies will have met the requirements of both the Directive and the Regulations if they have the energy management system ISO 50001 across their business.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been tasked with;
- Responsibility for setting up the national audit scheme;
- Operating the national audit scheme;
SEAI are currently in the process of finalising the precise technical requirements of the scheme.