How to get the most out of a utility-sponsored audit

Energy users can benefit from a DOE mandate requiring utilities to offer energy audits by knowing what the auditor should look for and by having information available about energy bills, building plans, and maintenance schedules. The utility must assess the user's total annual energy consumption and costs to get the full benefit of an audit. The audit should express all consumption in Btus per square foot to published standards of efficient energy use in order to identify areas of waste. Auditors may make a variety of energy recommendations in terms of equipment investments, fuel choices, and control systems.