The SSEA offers vouchers to SMEs to cover the cost of energy audits conducted by registered auditors. These audits assess electricity, gas, oil, diesel, and transport fuel use at the business site. The process includes data collection, a site visit, and a final audit report. The scheme is part of SEAI’s broader business support offering and is funded by the Irish Government.
The programme aims to incentivise SMEs to engage with energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and identify actionable improvements. It has reached businesses that had not previously interacted with SEAI and complements other supports such as the Energy Academy and microgeneration grants. As of the end of 2024, 3,589 vouchers had been issued, with audits revealing significant energy-saving potential across sectors.
Case study profile
Introduction
Launched in 2021, the Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) is a national initiative by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) understand and improve their energy use. The scheme provides financial support—typically covering the full cost—for SMEs to undertake energy audits, which identify opportunities for cost savings and emissions reductions.
Behavioural insights
The scheme uses financial incentives to encourage SMEs to undertake energy audits. The design considered ease of access, simplicity of the application process, and the value of personalised recommendations. The audit reports also promote further engagement with SEAI and other government supports, helping businesses continue their energy efficiency journey.
Outcomes and impacts
The SSEA has successfully delivered high-quality audits and built new engagement pathways with SMEs. Monitoring is conducted via SEAI’s grant system and surveys. The scheme has recorded total energy consumption of 1.8 TWh across audited businesses, with an average of 637,910 kWh per audit. It identified a potential energy saving of over 407 million kWh over four years. Sectors such as transport, construction, and accommodation showed varied energy profiles and engagement levels. Lessons learnt include the importance of sector-specific insights and the need for deeper analysis of audit impacts. The scheme has proven scalable and cost-effective, with strong demand and positive feedback from SMEs. It is now integrated into other national supports and continues to evolve.