With another winter approaching and energy cosrts still a major concern, Irish SMEs are being urged to take decisive action to cut their energy bills and improve resilience. Recent research from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows that 75% of Irish SMEs – rising to 80% for larger SMEs – say rising energy costs have significantly affected their business over the past two years.

Speaking on WLR’s The Hot Desk, Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports at SEAI, said businesses are facing their third energy crisis in recent years, driven by international conflicts and Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. However, he stressed that there is practical help available.

SEAI offers free online training through its Energy Academy, tailored to sectors such as hotels, restaurants and retail, helping owners understand their bills, identify waste, and learn which technologies suit their operations. Businesses can also avail of a free energy audit, which can highlight low- or no-cost changes capable of cutting energy use by up to 20%.

On top of this, SEAI has overhauled its grant schemes, with 95% now covered by rapid approval grants for measures such as solar PV, heat pumps, insulation and building management systems. More complex projects can access tailored support grants, typically covering 30–40% of costs.

In Waterford alone, 156 businesses have shared €2.8 million in SEAI grants in the past two years, with examples including Grandstand Nursery and a local Peugeot/BYD dealer installing solar PV. Sharkey’s message to SMEs is clear: get an energy audit, explore solar PV, and start cutting costs now.