The ESOS deadline of 5th December 2015 has passed, leaving us wondering just how many of the 10,000 qualifying businesses complied with regulations either by submitting their ESOS audit or by acknowledging their lateness with an ‘Intent to Comply’ form.
For those of you yet to complete either of the required actions, there may still be time. The Environment Agency is urging businesses to submit their notification even if they have missed the initial deadline. They will need to explain why they missed the deadline and when they expect to be able to comply.
“The notification includes details about your organisation and how it has complied. You do not need to provide energy data,” it stated.
While businesses that have yet to comply or submit the late notification may still be open to fines, it’s believed the Environment Agency will show greater leniency for those that have at least acknowledged the scheme and shown willing to comply.
Those that haven’t notified the Environment Agency could be at risk of enforcement action and penalties of up to £50,000 from 29th January 2016.
What do I need to do?
Fill in an ‘Intent to Comply’ form sharpish. You’ll need to explain your reasons for requiring an extension and we believe the Environmental Agency will look upon your lateness more favourably if you’ve already begun the process of collating your report.
Get yourself a lead assessor pronto and start making headway with your audit. Not only will you buy yourself some grace from the Environment Agency, but you’ll most likely save yourself some money in the long run as you’ll avoid the last minute rush for report completion when assessors will put up their premiums.
What’s the deadline now?
The deadline was still the 5th December 2015 so if you have not completed your audit by this time or submitted an ‘Intent to Comply’ form, we can’t guarantee you won’t be fined. However, there’s been studious silence from the EA so we reckon they may be lenient if you start the ball rolling quickly.
If you submit your late notification form now, your audit deadline will be extended until 29th January 2016 (or 30 June 2016 if you’ve committed to achieving ISO 50001 certification as a form of compliance).
Need free advice?
Business Juice will help you to understand your ESOS requirements with no obligation to take up our services.
We are however, on hand if you need us to complete your ESOS assessment without overcharging you or trying to push you into putting your recommendations into place.
For an ESOS quote or advice, give Business Juice a call on 0800 051 5492 or email esos@businessjuice.co.uk.