In energy management, the phrase "energy audit list" is one of the hottest keywords at the beginning of each year. Businesses need to know exactly whether they are on the "blacklist" that requires them to submit reports, and they also need to find a list of qualified consulting partners to perform this task.
This article will provide comprehensive information on both of these important lists to help businesses proactively plan for legal compliance.
1. List of key energy-consuming facilities (Required list)
This is the most important list that every manufacturing business owner and building manager needs to be aware of. Every year, the Prime Minister issues a Decision announcing the List of Key Energy-Consuming Facilities.
Based on Decree 21/2011/ND-CP, the following units will be included in the list:
- Industrial, agricultural, and transportation facilities: Consume from 1.000 TOE (tons of oil equivalent), equivalent to 6 million kWh of electricity per year.
- Construction projects (buildings, skyscrapers): Consume from 500 TOE, equivalent to 3 million kWh of electricity per year.
Because this list includes thousands of businesses across the country (for example, 3.068 establishments in 2022), you cannot see them all in one article. To find the exact list, you can follow these two methods:
- Check with your local Department of Industry and Trade: The Departments of Industry and Trade of provinces/cities will send direct notification documents to the units on the list within their jurisdiction.
- Look up the information on the electronic portal: Access the website of the National Program on Energy Saving and Efficiency (VNEEP) or the national energy data page (dataenergy.vn) to download the latest Government Decision announcing the list.
Note: If your business name appears on this list, you are required to conduct an energy audit every three years and submit a periodic annual report.
2. List of reputable energy audit consulting organizations
After determining that you are required to perform the audit, the next step is to find a partner to carry it out. Not all entities have the legal authority to sign audit reports. A list of reputable energy audit firms (consulting firms) typically includes the following groups:
Group 1: Energy Efficiency Centers (ECCs)
These are public service units under the direct control of the Department of Industry and Trade or the People's Committee of provinces and cities.
- Examples: Ho Chi Minh City Energy Conservation Center (ECC HCMC), Hanoi Energy Conservation and Industrial Promotion Center (ECC Hanoi), Da Nang ECC...
- Advantages: In-depth understanding of legal procedures and government regulations.
Group 2: Universities and Research Institutes
This is a place that brings together leading experts and state-of-the-art measuring equipment.
- Examples: Institute of Energy Science (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), Hanoi University of Technology (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City), University of Electrical Engineering.
- Advantages: High level of expertise, in-depth technical analysis.
Group 3: Private Energy Consulting Companies (ESCOs)
Private companies specialize in providing energy solutions and engineering services.
- Examples include companies like ESTECH, ENERTEAM, VETS Energy, ITVC Global...
- Advantages: Flexible service, fast progress, often includes turnkey construction solutions.
3. Criteria for selecting entities from the energy audit list
To avoid losing money or having reports rejected by the Department of Industry and Trade, businesses need to check three core factors when selecting contractors from the list:
- Personnel: A certified energy auditor, licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is required (Please review the qualifications and a copy of the certificate).
- Testing and measurement equipment: The consulting firm must possess a full range of specialized equipment (power analyzers, thermal cameras, exhaust gas analyzers, flow meters, etc.), and these devices must still be within their valid calibration/adjustment periods.
- Practical experience: Prioritize firms that have previously audited factories in the same industry as your company (e.g., textiles, steel, cement, food...).
4. Checklist of documents businesses need to prepare
Besides the two types of lists above, this term is also commonly understood as a "Checklist" for preparing for an audit. Below are the documents businesses need to have ready:
- Electricity bills for the last 12-36 months.
- Fuel purchase invoices (coal, oil, gas, biomass, etc.) for 12-36 months.
- Single-line power supply diagram.
- Production process flow diagram.
- Main equipment list (Boilers, air compressors, chillers, large motors...).
- Production output over the years.
Familiarizing yourself with the energy audit checklist (including the list of required facilities and the list of reputable contractors) is a crucial first step for businesses to comply with the Law on Economical and Efficient Energy Use.