The Promotion of Energy Audit and Conservation of Energy (PEACE) scheme, initiated by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, is designed to promote energy efficiency among MSMEs. The scheme comprises four components: Awareness Programme, Training Programme, Detailed Energy Audit, and Implementation of Energy Audit Recommendations. The focus of the Detailed Energy Audit component is to:
- Identify major energy sources in use.
- Detect lapses in energy utilization.
- Recommend improvements in energy usage.
- Determine the consumption levels of various energy sources.
Methodology for Detailed Energy Audit
The audit process is structured as a series of steps:
- Plant Survey:
A comprehensive survey of the plant is conducted. - Interaction:
Discussions are held with plant personnel to understand operational aspects. - Data Analysis:
Past performance data is analyzed alongside measurements of required electrical parameters. - Equipment Assessment:
Energy performance is assessed for significant electrical and thermal equipment, and compared with manufacturer design data or performance guarantees. - Conservation Measures:
Identification of potential energy conservation measures is carried out. - Review and Analysis:
Findings and recommendations are discussed with plant personnel followed by a detailed techno-economic analysis. - Reporting:
A final report is prepared, containing an executive summary, audit period, specific conclusions, and detailed recommendations along with projections of energy/cost savings and payback period.
Energy Audit Team
The scheme mandates that the energy audit be performed by one of the following:
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Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) empanelled energy auditing firms/companies with teams led by BEE-accredited Energy Auditors.
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BEE-accredited individual Energy Auditors working independently.
Energy Audit Final Report
The final report should provide:
- Specific recommendations for energy conservation.
- Quantitative and qualitative details of outlays.
- Projections of energy and cost savings.
- Estimated payback period.
- An executive summary and clear conclusions outlining the measures suggested.
Benefits
The scheme offers a subsidy covering 75% of the cost of the audit, up to a maximum of ₹1,00,000 per energy audit. Subsidy release details include:
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Direct release to the MSME upon submission of a duly certified Energy Audit Report.
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If the audit was financed by a loan, the subsidy is credited to the bank for adjustment.
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The subsidy ceiling applies separately to original and subsequent energy audits.
Eligibility
Eligibility for subsidy under PEACE is extended to:
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First-Time Energy Audit:
All existing manufacturing MSMEs in Tamil Nadu undertaking their first energy audit. -
Subsequent Energy Audits:
MSMEs conducting subsequent energy audits, provided there is a minimum gap of three years between audits. -
Multiple Units:
Enterprises operating multiple units can avail of the subsidy separately for each unit.
Components Eligible for Subsidy
Only the expenditure incurred on professional charges for conducting the Energy Audit is eligible for subsidy.
Application Process
The application is conducted online. The process involves:
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Registration:
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Visit the official MSME Department website/portal.
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Click on “Login / Registration” and complete the form with mandatory details (Name, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Number, Email ID, Mobile Number) and create a password (minimum 8 characters, including at least one uppercase, one lowercase letter, and one number).
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Login:
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Use the credentials sent to your registered email and mobile number to log in.
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Form Filling:
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Under the “Schemes” section, select the concerned scheme.
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Click on “Apply Online” and then “New Application.”
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Fill in all mandatory fields, review, and acknowledge the terms, declaration, and privacy policy.
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Note the reference number generated after submission.
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Document Upload:
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Under “Schemes,” select “Upload Documents” and provide your Application ID.
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Upload all mandatory documents in the specified format and size.
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Verify the correctness of the uploaded documents.
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Final Submission:
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Complete the checkboxes and submit the application.
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You will receive a confirmation message via mobile.
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Tracking (Optional):
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Monitor the status of your application through the portal, with updates available via email or SMS.
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Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format (file size must be less than 200 kb):
- Copy of Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum or Udyam Certificate.
- Registration certificate under the Indian Partnership Act, LLP, Societies Registration Act, or Certificate of Incorporation (including Memorandum & Articles of Association) under the Company Act.
- Proof of connected load (e.g., EB Meter Card or online statement).
- If applicable, proof of usage for alternate energy sources.
- Documents for engagement of an Energy Auditor or a letter of acceptance from the Energy Auditor.
- If the auditor is associated with a firm/company, provide corresponding proof.
- Accreditation copy of the Energy Auditor by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
- Self-certified statement on expenditure incurred for the energy audit, along with copies of bills, vouchers, and receipts.
- Copy of the Detailed Energy Audit Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the PEACE scheme?
It aims to enhance energy efficiency by promoting detailed energy audits and recommending measures for energy conservation among MSMEs. - Are subsequent energy audits eligible under the same criteria as first-time audits?
Yes, provided there is a minimum gap of three years between audits. - What is the maximum subsidy ceiling?
The subsidy covers up to 75% of the audit cost, capped at ₹1,00,000 per energy audit. - Can enterprises with multiple units claim the subsidy separately for each unit?
Yes, each unit is eligible for separate subsidy claims. - Is there a time gap required between audits for subsequent energy audits?
Yes, a minimum gap of three years is mandatory between the previous and subsequent audits. - How is the subsidy processed if an MSME has taken a loan for the energy audit?
The subsidy is released to the bank to adjust the loan account if the loan is in currency. - What types of documents are required for the application?
Required documents include certificates, proof of connected load, accreditation of the Energy Auditor, self-certified statements on expenditures, and the detailed audit report, all in PDF format. - What is the role of the “Know Your Eligibility” link in the application process?
This link helps applicants verify their eligibility before proceeding with the application. - How can MSMEs track their application status?
The portal provides application status updates via email and SMS. - Where can I find the application link for the subsidy?
The application is available on the official MSME Department website/portal of the Government of Tamil Nadu. - What components of the energy audit are eligible for subsidy?
Only the professional charges incurred for conducting the energy audit are eligible. - What should the Energy Audit Final Report include?
The report must include an executive summary, audit period, specific recommendations, detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of energy/cost savings, and payback period projections. - Who should constitute the Energy Audit team?
The audit team should comprise BEE-empanelled firms or individual BEE-accredited Energy Auditors. - What methodology is involved in the detailed energy audit?
The audit includes plant surveys, discussions, data analysis, equipment performance assessment, identification of conservation measures, and a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. - How does an effective energy management system benefit MSMEs?
It optimizes energy usage, reduces costs, and improves overall operational efficiency.