The energy audit used to play a key role in the VA scheme. The purpose of the energy
audit was to identify all “profitable” energy measures. In heavy processes,
“profitable” refers to energy efficiency measures with a payback period of less than
four years. In light processes “profitable” is defined by a payback period of less
than six years. The payback period is calculated based on energy prices including
taxes in absence of an agreement. The energy audits were carried out by consultants,
but sometimes by company staff. The obligation to do an energy audit before
signing a VA was removed in the revised scheme