Rural Development – Oregon
Business & Cooperative Programs
www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/rbs.htm
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 414-3366
TDD: (503) 414-3387
Fax: (503) 414-3397
Committed to the future of rural communities.
(12/3/2007)
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”
Energy Audits (and Energy Assessments)
The starting point and the key to success for anyone seeking a §9006 energy efficiency grant is to first
obtain an independent, professional energy audit or energy assessment. This report is the foundational
document that justifies the energy efficiency improvements being proposed.
What is an “energy audit”?
An energy audit is a written report by an independent, qualified party using a methodology that meets
professional and industry standards. Audits typically involve detailed gathering of field data and
engineering analysis. The audit provides detailed project costs and savings information with a high
level of confidence. An Energy Audit provides adequate and appropriate evidence of energy savings
expected when an energy efficiency project is completed and operated as designed.
When is an energy audit required?
All §9006 grant applications for energy efficiency improvements must be supported by either an
Energy Audit (or an Energy Assessment described below) prepared by an independent professional.
Energy audits are preferred in all cases and are mandatory when total eligible project costs exceed
$50,000. Projects which are based on energy audits receive a higher priority score. It is an integral
part of the §9006 proposal’s Technical Report and should be placed at Tab 15 of the application.
Who prepares the energy audit?
The energy audit should be conducted by an experienced energy professional from an independent
firm or the local utility. Typically, an energy auditor will be a Certified Energy Manager, Professional
Engineer, or have some comparable level of expertise in energy efficiency imp