‘Energy Service Companies (ESCo) who are accredited by Eskom operate by establishing a three-way partnership between themselves, Eskom and the customer, and use their knowledge of DSM technologies and programmes to determine the best way of obtaining results at customer premises.’
These organisations are experts within targeted vertical markets, capable of identifying opportunities for achieving reductions in electricity consumption, and scoping and executing such projects.
To participate in the funding programme, the ESCo submits a proposal on significant energy from ideally >200kW which EEDSM (Energy Efficiency Integrated Demand Management) reviews on its technical and financial merits, as well as, energy savings potential. Once a contract has been signed, the ESCo is given the go-ahead to implement the project.
Eskom DSM supports ESCo projects by funding up to 100% of the financial benchmark value for viable energy efficiency projects according to the financial benchmark as set out below.
| Programmes technologies | Benchmark values |
| Lighting & HVAC | Up to 5.2m/MW |
| Hot Water | Up to 6.3m/MW |
| Demand Response | Up to 3.5m/MW |
| Compressed Air | Up to 4.4m/MW |
| Process Optimisation | Up to 5.2m/MW |
In order to ensure that ESCo projects deliver the promised savings, there are penalty clauses in place which ensure that when ESCo scope projects, they do so accurately to ensure that projected consumption savings are in fact achieved.
Contact QDM for more info about ESCo