Energy Efficiency Technician

Energy efficiency technicians evaluate electrical installations, equipment and processes to determine the amount of energy used and lost to improve energy usage and recommend and install energy conserving measures. They audit the ventilation, heating and cooling, lighting and power systems during building construction and at manufacturing plants. Some can be consulted to provide energy usage goals for businesses and analyse costs and benefits of energy saving devices.

Energy efficiency technicians work alongside electrical engineers and technicians as well as building owners and managers. They often work in an office environment and travel to conduct site inspections of homes, businesses and industrial environments to determine causes of energy wastage and make recommendations for efficient use.

Skills

Energy efficiency technicians require a technical knowledge of energy saving technologies and electrical equipment and an understanding of energy efficiency compliance regulations. They will further benefit from:

• Methodological problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and schematics
• Ability to use design and energy modelling software
• Good verbal and written communication skills
  

Tasks

Monitor the manufacture, installation, utilisation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems

Provide technical support in electrical equipment research and development

Assemble and install energy saving systems 

Plan installation methods, checking completed installations for safety compliance

Studies

B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering at SU, UJ and UP

B.Sc.Eng in Electrical Engineering at UCT, UKZN and Wits

Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Electrical Engineering at CPUT, CUT, DUT, MUT, TUT, UNISA, VUT and WSU

Employers

Provincial and local government.

Energy provision and service companies. 

NPOs and private consultancies.