Our objective is to link you to as many reputable Energy Services Companies (ESCos) as possible. The final choice is of course yours.
The ESCos appearing on this website have been independently screened to determine their ability to perform full or partial ESCo work in Cape Town. Their references have been checked to confirm that projects referenced have been implemented and completed. ESCos whose project references were not implemented or completed are not included on this site. We highly recommend you perform you own due diligence in selecting an ESCo. The organisers of this site take no responsibility for any ESCo you may contract from this site.
Please see How do I choose an ESCo for some guidance. None of the companies are paying to be represented on this site, and it is open to any credible ESCo working in the Cape Town area.
All ESCos on this site are listed alphabetically and each provides detailed information on the size of projects they typically handle, references, finance options and experience.
An Energy Service Company or Energy Savings Company (ESCo) provides a range of comprehensive energy services including audits, designs and implementation of energy savings projects, retrofitting, energy conservation, energy infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and energy supply, financing options and risk management.
Some ESCos enter into performance-based contracting with a client in which their income is linked to the amount of savings achieved in a project.
According to the globally accepted definition, an Energy Service Company (ESCo) is a business that offers end to end energy management services which could include scoping, designing and implementing energy efficiency and/or embedded generation projects.
In most cases, an ESCo can be defined based on three characteristics:
South African ESCos refer to any company that is involved with energy efficiency. There are generally two types in South Africa:
Please note that a few of the ESCos on this website are focused on only one category of technology, eg. lighting.
How can an ESCo help me?
ESCos can provide the following services that will help reduce your building’s energy consumption:
How does an ESCo work?
An initial meeting enables the ESCo to understand the client’s objectives. The ESCo will then perform an in-depth analysis of the building (an energy audit) to determine the type and amount of savings to be expected and the cost of such interventions. The ESCo will design a solution and, if acceptable, will install the required energy saving elements and maintain the system to ensure energy savings. If appropriate, the ESCo can also assist with financing options.
The typical steps of an ESCo energy efficiency retrofit contract:
Consult an Energy Services Company (ESCo) when:
A good ESCo will provide a comprehensive service that will include identifying and evaluating energy-saving opportunities, developing engineering designs and specifications, managing the project from design to installation to monitoring, making finance arrangements, training staff and providing maintenance services. They will also guarantee that savings will cover all project costs.
Ensure that your ESCo has:
Ask the references:
Ask them for a Request for Proposal (RFP) which is a detailed explanation of the proposed project. This document contains all cost savings measures, products, M&V plans, and the performance contract.
Be clear on your expectations when approaching ESCos, contractors and anyone else involved. State that you are looking for an energy efficiency solution with a simple payback of xx years or an ROI of yy%. An experienced ESCo/contractor will be able to advise you if this is realistic.