Over the past several decades, there has been considerable growth in the providing of energy audits and energy surveys by both utilities and energy service companies (ESCO). There has been some debate in selected regions over who should provide these audits and surveys, utilities or ESCOs.

Assume you are the manager of an industrial plant (e.g. chemical, manufacturing, materials, or the like), and explain why you would select either the ESCO or utility to perform your energy audit and survey. Support your response by weighing the pros and cons of each option. Discuss the factors which have driven the use of these audits and surveys in the past and discuss the likely drivers for these services in the future. What additional services may develop in response to the increased need