Department of Energy and Climate Change

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme scheme starts in April 2010 and is divided into phases. The introductory phase runs for three years. Subsequent phases will each last seven years. This includes two preparatory years which will overlap with the previous phase. Each phase includes a number of consecutive compliance years, which run from April to March, like financial years. There are no gaps or breaks between phases or compliance years.

Before each phase starts there is: 

• a qualification period when organisations must determine whether they meet the qualification criteria to take part in the scheme, or make an information disclosure to the administrator
• a registration period when organisations must register as a participant in the scheme or submit an information disclosure
• a footprint year when participants must work out their emissions responsibility under the CRC

In each compliance year, participants complete four steps:

1. At the beginning and during each compliance year, participants buy allowances based on expected energy use emissions, taking into account energy efficiency efforts planned for that year.
2. Participants monitor energy use during each scheme year and by the end of July, after the end of the scheme year, they report emissions to the administrator.
3. Participants hold or cancel allowances equal to their emissions during that year, also by the end of July.
4. Participants receive a revenue recycling payment from the Government in the October after reporting their energy use, based on their relative performance in the scheme, which will be published in a performance league table.

So our administrators can audit the information you provide, you will need to collate all records and evidence that supports the data you report in an evidence pack, and keep this up to date throughout the scheme.

CRC user guide

You can find step-by-step guidance on preparing for the scheme, and what to do during it, in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme user guide which provides a concise summary of all aspects of the CRC. The guide is consistent with policy in the draft CRC Order which was laid in Parliament on 19 January 2010 and can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information: CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 web page. It reflects the changes implemented in the government response to the Consultation on the draft order to implement the Carbon Reduction Commitment.