The deadline for Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) compliance has recently been extended to 29 January 2016. Organisations that miss the deadline will be subject to fines, public naming and shaming – and will then have to get the ESOS report done anyway. They will also be missing out on the benefit of a focussed report identifying common sense energy savings they can make.

Although cutting it fine, it is still not too late to achieve compliance. We would urge any organisation that suspects it may be subject to the regulations to double check and take action if needed.

Qualifying organisations that did not complete and notify a compliance assessment by 5 December 2015 will be in breach of the regulations and at risk of enforcement action and penalties. You must inform the Environment Agency (EA) immediately if you cannot submit a notification of compliance. Use this online form to explain why you’ve missed the original compliance deadline, and when you expect to be able to comply. Then contact an ESOS Lead Assessor and ensure you become compliant.

Enforcement action will not normally be taken provided your notification is received by 29 January 2016. So even if you have missed the original deadline, it's crucial to let the EA know that you have started to take action to comply.

ESOS applies to any company with 250 employees or more (including zero hours contracts), or an annual turnover above circa £38.9m and balance sheet assets above circa £33.4m. Within the last month the Savills ESOS energy audit team have signed up to deliver compliance for a diverse range of clients, including:

• A regional bakery with 30 stores
• A firm of accountants
• An apple and pear grower
• A large food manufacturer
• Two elderly care homes/supported living groups
• The UK branch of an international clearing bank
• A film studio
• One of the UKs largest private property management companies
• The pension fund for a large retail group

Further information

Contact Savills Energy, Utilities and Infrastructure