The mandatory prior consultation consists of an energy audit before the implementation of new energy-consuming projects. The consultation can also be carried out during the implementation of expansion projects within industrial companies that wish to choose technologies that consume less energy.

The prior consultation is mandatory for any industrial facility with a total expected energy consumption equal to or greater than 800 tons of oil equivalent.

The regulations in force impose financial penalties on violators ranging from 20 to 50 thousand dinars, taking into account the mandatory nature of the audit. However, companies wishing to carry out an energy audit according to the procedures listed below can benefit from a grant of 70% of the cost of the consultation, not exceeding 30 thousand dinars.

The National Agency for Energy Control is the body responsible for supervising, accompanying and quality control of the implementation of prior consultations.

The agency intervenes in the following points:

• Strengthening the pre-consultation system by implementing information and awareness campaigns targeting economic operators and companies subject to consultation.
• Ensure proper functioning of the mechanism by implementing a quality control system for the audits conducted.
• Establish a database of auditing experts authorized to provide consultations on sectoral lists.
• Participate in training and capacity building of these experts for close cooperation with various professions.