BAFA sample check for energy audits – review your evidence and submit it on time

Support with BAFA evidence filing under section 8c EDL-G

Have you received a BAFA sample check letter? INOPCO helps you clarify your company’s obligations, review existing evidence and prepare the electronic response.

We agree with you what is needed for evidence that is complete, traceable and submitted on time – from the energy audit report to proof of the de minimis threshold. From Leipzig, we support companies in Central Germany – from Halle (Saale) and Dresden to the chemical sites in Leuna, Bitterfeld-Wolfen and Schkopau – and companies with sites throughout Germany.

Have your BAFA letter reviewed See required documents

Clarify these first

These three points determine the timetable and scope of your response to BAFA.

  • What deadline does the BAFA letter set?The basis for your response timetable
  • Which legal entity has been addressed?The evidence must cover exactly this company
  • Which evidence is already available?Audit report, exemption or de minimis evidence

How we support your BAFA sample check

1. Classify the letter and deadline

We review the reason, the company concerned, the information requested and the date. The deadline in the specific BAFA letter sets the timetable.

2. Check the obligation status

Audit obligation, SME status and possible exemptions are assessed using the company structure and available records. Partner and linked enterprises are included in the SME assessment.

3. Check that the evidence stands up to review

We review the energy audit report or exemption evidence for completeness, validity and coverage of the relevant company. Open items and missing data are identified.

4. Prepare the response

We organise the requested documents and prepare the information for the electronic response form. Responsibilities and submission support are agreed in advance.

Check and document the 500,000 kWh de minimis threshold

Whether the de minimis rule under section 8(4) EDL-G applies must be established traceably for the company concerned. The threshold covers total energy consumption across all energy sources and applies at no more than 500,000 kWh per year. The reference period is the last complete twelve-month billing period before the calendar year in which the audit would be due.

We consolidate bills, consumption data and calculation records, check their allocation to sites and companies, and document data gaps. A single electricity consumption figure is not sufficient to cover all energy sources.

The de minimis rule does not remove the reporting and evidence requirements. More about obligations, reference periods and regular reporting deadlines.

Note on the 2026 amendment: Under the draft amendment of the EDL-G and EnEfG (printed paper 21/8027), the audit obligation is to be linked to average energy consumption of more than around 2.77 GWh per year. The de minimis rule is therefore likely to change. Until promulgation, current law applies. Current status of the amendment.

Which documents should you have ready?

The following documents help us with the initial review. Which documents actually have to be submitted to BAFA depends on the individual case and the specific request.

  • BAFA letter with date, stated deadline and name of the company addressed
  • Existing energy audit report, including related confirmations and annexes
  • For exemptions: existing ISO 50001 or EMAS evidence, including scope
  • For the de minimis threshold: consumption breakdown for all energy sources, bills and calculations
  • For the SME assessment: company structure, shareholdings and relevant employee and financial data
  • Online energy audit declarations already submitted, plus previous responses and BAFA correspondence

For corporate groups, we check whether the documents clearly identify the legal entity addressed. We organise the evidence so that the company reference and underlying data remain traceable.

Online energy audit declaration and sample check

Two separate procedures

The regular online energy audit declaration under section 8c(1) EDL-G and the sample check response under section 8c(2) must be handled separately. Even if a declaration has already been submitted, you must respond to the BAFA letter.

We help prepare the online information, compile the requested documents and, as agreed, assist with electronic submission. The aim is complete, consistent information that stands up to review for the procedure concerned.

Start your energy audit now

Do you still need an energy audit or want to supplement an existing one? We agree the required scope, the available consumption data and the timetable with you. This lets you prepare the audit to DIN EN 16247-1 in a targeted way and address open points from the BAFA sample check.

Start your energy audit More about energy audits to DIN EN 16247-1

Frequently asked questions about the BAFA sample check

Yes. If BAFA asks your company to provide evidence, the response must be prepared within the stated deadline. SME status, an exemption or the de minimis threshold must be demonstrated traceably using documents that fit the case.
No. The regular declaration under section 8c(1) EDL-G and the sample check response under section 8c(2) are separate procedures. An online energy audit declaration already submitted does not replace the requested response.
What matters is whether the legal entity addressed has been examined and represented traceably in the report. We check the company reference and the allocation of consumption data and measures; a group or multi-site report is not sufficient simply because of its title.
First, gather the BAFA letter and the evidence already available. We clarify open items with you and prioritise the next steps. Whether a deadline extension is granted and which evidence is accepted is decided by BAFA.
We prepare the information and evidence and, as agreed, assist with electronic submission. Scope, responsibilities and any required authorisations are agreed with you in advance. The company remains responsible for meeting its statutory obligations.

Let’s review your BAFA letter together

Send us the letter and tell us which evidence is already available. We clarify open questions, the required scope of review and support, and the next steps for EDL-G-compliant evidence filing.

Have your BAFA letter reviewed +49 341 2482 2971 Go to your contact

Legal basis (German): section 8 EDL-G, section 8c EDL-G and BAFA information on energy audits. As at .