An Irish workplace’s winter energy check can start with a simple question: what is still running when the premises is closed? In guidance published on 2 October, the National Enterprise Hub points businesses towards heating controls, unused lighting, equipment and professional energy audits. [1]

The useful first step is to walk through the premises at closing time with the person responsible for operations. Record lights, heating schedules and non-essential equipment that stay on after work ends. Keep safety systems, necessary servers and other essential services separate from equipment that can safely be switched off.

Gather evidence before buying equipment

Bring recent bills, meter readings and opening hours together. Note changes in use as well as changes in price: a higher bill can reflect longer operating hours, a tariff change or greater consumption. Ask staff which areas are uncomfortable and which equipment must run overnight. The aim is to identify questions an auditor can answer, rather than promise a percentage saving.

Use ordinary controls only within your competence and the premises’ procedures. Electrical alterations, boiler servicing and specialist system adjustments belong with qualified professionals. Energy changes must also preserve safe working conditions and any temperature requirements for stored products.

Check the audit rules for the right date

SEAI lists a €2,000 audit voucher. Its page currently requires Republic of Ireland registration, tax compliance, at least €10,000 annual energy spending at the site excluding transport, and limits support to one voucher per applicant/company. Until the announced change, its non-obligated-entity criteria also apply. An auditor must participate in the scheme, and the audit price should be agreed first. [2]

SEAI says eligibility changes on 11 October 2026: the relevant enterprise consumption ceiling becomes less than 2.8 GWh annually across heat, electricity and transport, with specified SME-status and public-body criteria removed. Other existing requirements remain. Check the updated terms after that date; the spending requirement and consumption ceiling measure different things. [2]

Do not assume a voucher covers every quotation or that your premises qualifies. Take the closing-time notes and bills to an eligible auditor, confirm the applicable criteria, and ask which proposed measures are supported by the audit’s findings. That turns a seasonal check into a practical evidence-gathering exercise.