Government offering a further $41 million to lower SME energy bills

Thursday, 08 February, 2024

The Australian Government has announced a further $41 million in Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG) for small and medium enterprises to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and lower emissions, taking the total investment to $62 million.

The grants between $10,000 and $25,000 can be used to upgrade to more efficient equipment. This includes replacing air conditioners with high-efficiency units or gas heating boilers with heat pumps, helping SMEs lower power bills and emissions.

The first round of grants awarded $15.5 million to 674 businesses for energy savings from upgrades to pool covers, heat pumps, air conditioners, as well as more efficient hot water pumps and compressed air improvements.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said the grants would improve the bottom line of small businesses and lower emissions.

“Investing in energy efficiency can save on energy costs, taking the pressure off small businesses and allowing them to reinvest savings to their business,” she said. “We want to help small businesses make every watt count.”

The $41.2 million will be allocated to states and territories in proportion to the national distribution of SMEs. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until each jurisdiction’s allocation is exhausted.

Applications for the grants open across the country on the following dates: