Energy management systems provide a framework for the transparent display of energy consumptions, aiming for an increase of energy efficiency. At the same time, a certified energy management system is condition for the reimbursement of electricity taxes and the exemption of the EEG (Renewables Energy ACT) apportionment. Even though energy management systems lead evidently to a reduction of energy consumptions, only little companies have implemented such a system. The study presented in this paper gives an insight into the status of the cost factor energy and respective management systems in German SMEs (manufacturing industry). Moreover, the main pillars of energy management systems and their benefits are outlined.
