Energy audit and ISO 500001: changes in French regulations

⚖️ Regulatory Changes: New Thresholds for Mandatory Energy Audits

Things are moving in France regarding energy regulations in the industrial sector and decarbonization!

 

📌 Companies with annual energy consumption reaching 2.7 GWh (based on the average consumption over the previous 3 years) must conduct an energy audit by October 11, 2026.

📎 This new rule applies regardless of company size or revenue.

 

✅ The only exemption from the mandatory energy audit for companies meeting the 2.7 GWh threshold is to implement an energy management system (EnMS) compliant with ISO 50001.

 

💶 And support is available: the Pro-SMEn Financial Incentive (2023–2026) helps companies implement ISO 50001, offering up to €40,000 in aid.

 

 

📞 Contact us to learn more — this initiative can be part of the PACTE Industrie program.

⏳ Please note: this aid can only be claimed before the regulatory change officially comes into effect. The exact date has not been confirmed but could fall between April and September 2025.

🕓 Companies consuming over 23.6 GWh/year will be required to have ISO 50001 in place by October 11, 2027.

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🎯 Why implement an Energy Management System?

🔋 Achieve energy cost reductions of 5 to 20% — or even more.

🌍 Reduce your carbon footprint in a significant emissions area.

📈 Build internal expertise and upskill your teams.

 

🕵️‍♂️ Beyond compliance — what’s the real motive behind these regulatory shifts?

💸 A clear ambition from France and the EU to reduce industrial energy bills.

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📊 In 2023, energy bills in French industry rose by 5%, following a 52% surge in 2022 and 40% in 2021 (source: INSEE). 

 

🏭A measure to safeguard industrial competitiveness

 

📉 Despite these price hikes, French industry has succeeded in reducing overall energy consumption, helping to absorb part of the shock.

 

💡 But the cost continues to rise.

📌 And in highly energy-intensive sectors (chemicals, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, etc.), energy costs are a critical competitiveness factor.

🛠️ Energy audits and/or ISO 50001 certification now appear as strategic tools — not only for regulatory compliance, but also for enhancing competitiveness and accelerating decarbonization.

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Sources: INSEE, SSP, Annual Energy Consumption Survey in Industry (2005–2023)