Garages and bodyshops who are currently paying large energy bills could be entitled to a free or reduced cost energy audit from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). 

Subject to meeting certain criteria, SMEs are eligible for a €2,000 voucher towards the cost of a professional energy audit, which is often enough to cover the full cost. This can be especially useful for garages and bodyshops who often have to operate extended hours and use energy intensive equipment. 

The SEAI says an energy audit is an important step for businesses that want to save money, save energy, and enhance their brand. The audit can be carried out on buildings, processes, or systems and it is a three-step process which involves preparation, a site visit and reporting. The audit report that compiles the findings will help a business understand; how much energy it uses, the equipment and processes that use the most energy and what actions should be taken to save energy, and their estimated cost and impact

Ultimately the audit helps a business to get a better grip on energy use, improve efficiency, make cost savings, reduce exposure to energy price fluctuations and invest in new technologies with confidence. The audit process can also open up the possibility of further local authority energy efficiency grants. 

SEAI’s Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) will offer SMEs a €2,000 voucher towards the cost of a high quality energy audit. In most cases, this will cover the total cost of the audit. Application to the scheme is easy, with automatic approval for eligible businesses.

To be eligible a company must be tax compliant, registered in the Republic of Ireland and spend at least €10,000 on energy (exclusive of transport energy costs) per year at the site being audited. 

For further information and to make an application please click here.