The Environment Agency (EA) has extended the deadline for organisations in scope of Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 to submit their Action Plans. While the original deadline of 5 December 2024 remains in place, the EA has confirmed that it will now accept Action Plans until 5th March 2025, citing delays in the development of the online reporting system.
In its ESOS newsletter, the EA emphasised that organisations should still aim to meet the December deadline where possible but acknowledged the challenges posed by the incomplete MESOS digital service.
“We appreciate there has been a delay in providing the MESOS digital service and the functionality to submit an Action Plan is not yet available,” the EA said.
“To assist participants in preparing and submitting their Action Plans, The Environment Agency and Regulators for the Devolved Administrations will accept submitted Action Plans provided that you submit them by the 5 March 2025.”
The EA also stated that more guidance, as well as an example of the online system template, will be available by 1 November 2024. They stated that MESOS should also be fully functional by this date.
What are ESOS Action Plans?
New to Phase 3, ESOS Action Plans encourage organisations to act on audit recommendations by outlining steps to reduce energy consumption, projected savings, and timelines for implementation. Organisations will also be required to submit progress updates annually for the two years following the submission of their Action Plan.
Although Action Plans are designed to drive energy efficiency, organisations that do not intend to take any energy-saving measures can submit a notification indicating that no action will be taken.
Guidance and support
As the March 2025 deadline approaches, organisations are encouraged to start planning now, ensuring that their Action Plans are practical, realistic, and aligned with their overall energy efficiency goals.