Business Energy Audits

Since early 2005, one of the key elements of MainPower's energy efficiency programme has been subsidising energy audits for major electricity users.   The programme is a partnership between the large business customers, MainPower and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's (EECA) using EECA's "Emprove Energy Audit Grants" scheme.  Accredited energy auditors are contracted to carry out the audits.   Since the programme started 12 large consumers in the MainPower region have been audited, including MainPower.

Collectively these businesses use 20 Gigawatt Hour (GWh) per year of electricity and spend a further $400,000 per year on other energy forms such as coal, diesel and LPG.

The energy audits focus on all aspects of energy use and not just on electricity.   Auditors were also asked to look for opportunities to move load from peak demand times.

The range of energy savings with payback periods of less than three years ranged from 2.1% to 44% of current energy consumption, with an average of 10%. 

The audit process focused attention on the benefits of using energy efficiently and thereby reducing costs.  Those customers with worthwhile savings identified have made significant progress on implementing the auditors' recommendations. 

MainPower's business energy audits currently focus on medium and small-sized business. In 2009 and 2010, MainPower subsidised small tourism business energy audits as part of the North Canterbury STAR Programme.