Why are CAE files rejected?
ENAC verification is the critical filter of the CAE system. A file that is rejected or returned with observations means weeks or months of delay, which directly impacts the delegated subject's cash flow and its ability to meet its commitments to the obligated party.
Knowing the most common mistakes makes it possible to avoid them systematically. These are the 10 mistakes that invalidate the most files.
Mistake 1: wrong standardised datasheet selected
Applying an industrial datasheet (IND) to a tertiary location, or vice versa, is grounds for immediate rejection. Example: applying IND050 (industrial LED) in an office, when the correct datasheet is TER030 (tertiary LED). Although the formula is similar, the scope is different and the verifier checks the consistency between the declared datasheet and the nature of the location.
How to avoid it: always check that the type of location (industrial, tertiary, residential, transport) matches the datasheet prefix.
Mistake 2: regulatory threshold not met
Each datasheet has its own thresholds. The best known is the minimum luminous efficacy of 130 lm/W for the LED datasheets (IND050 and TER030). Other examples: minimum COP for heat pumps, minimum efficiency for condensing boilers. If the new equipment does not meet the threshold, the entire file is invalid.
How to avoid it: check the datasheet thresholds BEFORE carrying out the action. CertificAhorro automatically validates these thresholds when the parameters are entered.
Mistake 3: incomplete D2 documentation
The technical datasheet of the new equipment must include the exact technical value used in the calculation. If the technical datasheet does not include luminous efficacy in lm/W (and only shows total lumens), the verifier cannot validate the calculation.
How to avoid it: require the manufacturer or installer to provide a complete technical datasheet with all the parameters needed for the CAE datasheet.
Mistake 4: operating hours without supporting evidence
Declaring 8,760 hours per year (continuous operation) without any supporting document is a classic mistake. The verifier needs evidence of the actual hours: shift records, opening hours, meter data, electricity bills with consumption profile.
How to avoid it: always attach a document that supports the declared hours, even if it is only a statement signed by the person in charge of the installation with justification (shifts, opening hours).
Mistake 5: unusable photographs
Blurry, undated photos that do not allow the equipment or its location to be identified. The D4 photographic report must demonstrate the reality of the replacement, not be a mere formality.
How to avoid it: photos with a visible date (configure the camera), legible nameplate, same viewpoint before and after so that the verifier can compare.
Mistake 6: inconsistency between D1, D2 and D5
When the power declared in the D5 calculation does not match the D2 technical datasheet or the D1 inventory. Example: D1 states 10 kW of existing luminaires, D5 calculates with 12 kW. The verifier will systematically compare these documents.
How to avoid it: use a single data source for the calculation and the documentation. CertificAhorro guarantees consistency between the parameters and the file by generating everything from the same database.
Mistake 7: generic D3 invoice
An invoice that says "electrical work" or "supply of materials" without details of the action does not allow the verifier to confirm that the declared replacement has actually been carried out.
How to avoid it: require the supplier to provide a detailed invoice mentioning: type of equipment, quantity, reference, location of the installation.
Mistake 8: incorrect calculation formula
Applying a modified formula, using incorrect units or not following the datasheet's official formula exactly. The verifier compares the calculation with the formula of Orden TED/845/2023.
How to avoid it: use the exact formulas from the official catalogue. A platform like CertificAhorro automatically applies the correct formula for each datasheet.
Mistake 9: file for equipment that was not replaced
Attempting to generate a CAE for new equipment installed without an old piece of equipment having actually been replaced. The standardised datasheet requires a replacement, not a new installation in an empty location.
How to avoid it: clearly document the existence of the old equipment before the replacement (D1 and D4 before).
Mistake 10: file out of time
Submitting a file for an action carried out before the CAE system came into force or outside the validity period. Actions must have been carried out within the timeframe established by RD 36/2023.
How to avoid it: check the eligibility dates before assembling the file.
Summary: the anti-rejection checklist
- Correct datasheet for the type of location
- Regulatory thresholds verified
- Complete D2 technical datasheet with the calculation value
- Operating hours documented
- Clear, dated photos with a legible nameplate
- D1/D2/D5 consistency
- Detailed D3 invoice
- Official formula applied correctly
- Old equipment documented
- Dates within the eligible period
CertificAhorro integrates most of these checks automatically: threshold validation, parameter consistency, correct formula and D1-D5 checklist. The delegated subject focuses on prospecting for projects and on documentation, while the platform guarantees the technical compliance of the file.