Large Business Energy Efficiency Action: the 2022 Changes and Commitments

Significant changes in the field of energy efficiency in large businesses are due to come into force in 2022, which will have a profound impact on companies’ energy management and regulatory compliance. The Energy Efficiency Act (Act LVII of 2015) and related regulations aim to encourage businesses to optimise their energy use and achieve environmental sustainability. This article details the key obligations, updates for 2022 and helps large businesses to successfully meet their energy efficiency obligations.

 

The Importance of Energy Efficiency for Large Enterprises

Energy efficiency is not just a legal requirement, it is a key strategic consideration for modern large companies. By optimising energy use, companies can achieve significant cost savings while contributing to environmental goals. Regulatory compliance is essential to avoid fines and to ensure good corporate governance.

Details of the Large Business Energy Efficiency Action Plan

The energy efficiency agenda for large companies is built on several main pillars, each of which requires careful attention and precise implementation.

 

1. Energy Audit Commitment

An energy audit is a comprehensive examination that assesses a company’s energy use, identifies areas of waste and makes recommendations to improve energy efficiency.

• Who is obliged to do it? All large companies, except those operating an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001.
• Frequency: the audit should be carried out every four years.
• Deadline: the original article stated that the deadline for the last audit to be completed and reported was 5 December 2019.

 

2. Large Business Registration

Large companies are obliged to register with the Hungarian Energy and Utility Regulatory Office (MEKH).

• Registration fee: the original article states that from 1 January 2021, there will be no registration fee, except for first-time registrants.
• Exemption: large companies that operate an ISO 50001-compliant energy management system can be exempted from registration.

 

3. Employment of an Energy Specialist

Large companies are required to employ an energy specialist who plays a key role in overseeing the company’s energy management and coordinating energy efficiency measures.

• Reporting Obligations:
  • Monthly report: energy consumption data must be reported on a monthly basis.
  • Annual energy expert report: to be prepared and submitted annually.
  • Publication of the annual report: the annual report must also be published on the company’s website.
  • Annual data reporting to MEKH: This is prepared and submitted by the specialist.

 

4. National Statistical Data Collection Programme (OSAP) Energy Balance

Large companies are also required to prepare and submit an annual energy balance in accordance with OSAP 1321.

• Deadline: according to the original article, the OSAP 1321 form must be submitted by 15 April of the year following the year in question via the Statistical Information Repository (SIA) of the MEKH.

Important Changes in eGovernment (2022)

The amendments effective from 1 January 2022 have significantly affected the electronic administration towards MEKH, which requires special attention in the energy efficiency work of large companies.

• Phasing out of SAD forms: from 31 December 2021, the use of SAD forms will be discontinued.
• New electronic forms to be filled in online: from 1 January 2022, MEKH has introduced new electronic forms to be filled in online instead of the SAD forms.
• Deadline: forms submitted via the SIC will no longer be accepted by the Office after 31 January 2022.

This change means that data can now be provided exclusively through the new online platforms for large companies’ energy efficiency activities.

 

Energy efficiency in large enterprises requires constant attention and adaptation to the changing legislative environment. Energy audits, the use of a specialist adviser, accurate data reporting and the use of new electronic interfaces are all essential to ensure compliance and improve energy efficiency. A proactive approach helps companies to reduce costs and build a more sustainable future.

Don’t miss the latest changes! Contact our experts if you need help with your large business energy efficiency or energy issues.