Joint media release: Small businesses get $16 million to help make every watt count

The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business
Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy  

Almost 700 small and medium businesses will soon be more energy efficient, thanks to support from the Albanese Government’s Energy Efficiency Grant Program.

Grants of up to $25,000 have been awarded to 690 businesses, to invest in energy performance technology and make every watt count.

A local pool in Tasmania upgrading its energy management system and a Top End hotel upgrading its refrigeration are among those awarded grants from $16 million investment in the first round of program. Other funded projects include installing energy monitoring systems, replacing conventional air conditioning units with high-efficiency models, and transitioning heating boilers to heat pumps.

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering cheaper, cleaner energy to more Australians and businesses. Today $16 million in grants is going out to 690 business to turbocharge their energy performance. This financial year up to 3.9 million businesses could benefit from the Small Business Energy Incentive. And all businesses will benefit from the National Energy Performance Strategy, which will set a forward trajectory for all businesses to lower their energy use.

Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said the grants provided vital support for businesses to become energy efficient and ease pressure on their energy bills.

“We know energy costs are a significant part of many small business budgets, so we know this practical support will be welcomed,” Minister Collins said.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that backs small business, and these grants are just one part of our broad agenda. They underline the Albanese Government’s continuing commitment to ease cost-of-living pressures for Australian small businesses doing it tough, by putting downward pressure on their energy bills.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said supporting SMEs to increase their uptake of energy efficient technologies would help have more choice over their energy use and reduce emissions.

"We’re determined to make every watt count, and these grants offer vital support to our SMEs, helping them lower energy use while reducing their carbon footprint.

“This is just another example of the Albanese Government helping small businesses, councils, and homes access technology that will put downward pressure on their energy bills,” Assistant Minister McAllister said.

Grant funding was distributed among states and territories based on the proportional representation of SMEs nationwide.

The second round of grants will open in early 2024. For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program visit https://business.gov.au/eegsme