How to prepare for a business energy audit

Assemble a useful evidence pack

Start with at least 12 months of electricity and gas bills where available, plus tariff details, site hours and a simple equipment inventory. Australian Government guidance recommends billing data to reveal patterns and higher-use processes, supplemented by detailed assessment where needed.

Add the context numbers alone cannot show: production or occupancy changes, seasonal loads, operating schedules, recent equipment replacements and known comfort or reliability problems. Mark missing data instead of filling gaps with assumptions. A short site walk-through with the people who run the equipment often explains anomalies that a spreadsheet cannot.

Agree what the audit must answer

Define the sites, energy sources and systems in scope, the level of analysis required and how savings should be evaluated. The Australian guidance describes different audit types, from a basic overview to detailed analysis and precision work on a major subsystem. Ask an auditor which approach fits your decision and why.

Require findings to show the evidence, assumptions, estimated cost, expected benefit and interactions with operations. Treat projected savings as estimates to verify, not guarantees. Finish with an owner and next step for each viable action so the report becomes an implementation tool.

• Collect at least 12 months of bills where possible.
• Document operating hours, seasons and site changes.
• Include tariff and equipment information.
• Agree scope, audit depth and financial criteria.
• Request assumptions, priorities and verification steps.