Performance Auditing of Energy Management Programs

Abstract

With the oil crisis of the 1970's, energy management programs became important to both the private and public sectors. But with the decrease of oil prices in the mid 1980's, interest in energy conservation programs has declined. Nevertheless, energy conservation remains an effective way to reduce operating costs without cutting services. This paper describes a review process that can be used by managers and engineers to improve an organization's overall energy management program. This energy management audit, as it is called, is much more than an energy audit; it is an assessment of the organization's entire system of controlling energy costs. The energy management audit discussed in this paper divides an energy management program into five major areas. Each of these areas is subdivided into basic elements which can then be analyzed and evaluated to see if meets the needs of the organization. The results of the audit provide specific recommendations for improving the organization's energy conservation program cost effectiveness and efficiency.