Member for Robertson Gordon Reid is encouraging businesses on the Central Coast to apply for the latest round of Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG) for Small and Medium Enterprises to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and lower emissions.
The Federal Government is delivering a further $41M in grants, taking its investment in the scheme to $62M.
The grants, of 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.
They are part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ease pressures on Australian businesses by putting downward pressure on energy bills.
The first round of grants awarded $15.5M 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.
Reid said the last round of grants saw six businesses in Robertson receive funding for up to $25,000 for energy efficiency upgrades.
“This represented an investment of $132,600 into energy efficiency upgrades for local businesses,” he said.
“I encourage small and medium sized businesses across the region to review the grant guidelines and apply, if they are eligible.”
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.
“That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in energy performance projects.
“Upgrades to appliances like freezers or air conditioners not only saves on bills, but also contributes to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.”
Round two funds 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 will open in NSW on Monday, February 26.
For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program and how to apply, visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/energy-efficiency-grants-for-small-and-medium-enterprises-round-2