ABSTRACT
Energy management, as the name implies, is first and foremost a management function. While scientists and engineers have the benefit of understanding the detailed operation of plant machinery, it is not necessary to be proficient in this topic to be an effective energy manager. An energy manager could also be the spokesperson in communicating all matters relevant to energy consumption to the media. In some organisations, energy managers also mediate in disagreements between departments and provide energy consumption input such that an overall business cost is established. The skills required from an energy manager go beyond technical engineering all of the tasks and skills described involve working with and via different groups of people. If an energy manager is disliked or socially inept, they are strongly disliked by employees irrespective of their competency. A trade-off between technical competence and social intelligence of an energy manager is therefore required. This can be a challenging and difficult choice for the business.
