Joint media release: Albanese Government backing small businesses to improve energy performance

The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business

Senator The Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more than $41 million to help more than 1,700 small businesses upgrade facilities to take control of their energy bills and lower emissions.

Round 2 of the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Program has awarded grants of up to $25,000. With upgrades including replacing inefficient hot water systems with modern heat pump technology, swapping energy draining lights for new LEDs, and commercial refrigeration upgrades.

From a family-owned winery in South Australia insulating wine storage tanks and installing smart monitoring systems, a cocktail bar in Hobart upgrading heating systems for cold winters, to Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service in the Northern Territory replacing non-LED lighting - businesses across the country are set to lower energy bills and emissions.

These grants are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to ease the cost of doing business working alongside the $325 energy rebate for around 1 million small businesses across the country.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins:

"These grants will make a positive difference for many small businesses.

“These grants will help small businesses make energy performance upgrades that otherwise may not have been possible.

“Everyone benefits from upgrading to energy performance technology and longer equipment life, which are both good for cash flow.

“Our Government will continue to deliver a better deal for small businesses, with more than $640 million in targeted support outlined in our Small Business Statement.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister:

"Energy performance improvements help small businesses take control of their energy use, while reducing emissions.

“From Darwin to Hobart, and Perth to Sydney, our government is committed to helping small businesses ease cost-of-living pressures and make every watt count.

“Breweries, manufacturers and commercial kitchens know that simple upgrades to LEDs, refrigeration or heating not only put downward pressure on bills but can also increase productivity and worker comfort.”

Grants were awarded to eligible applicants on a first‑come, first‑served basis in order of application receipt until the funding was used up in each state and territory.

Funding was allocated between the states and territories based on the distribution of SMEs nationally.

For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program visit Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.