Up to $50 million in energy-saving grants will become available to assist businesses in improving their energy efficiency practices under the Commonwealth’s Energy Efficient Communities programme. The grants seek to remove 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide which would otherwise have ended up in the atmosphere, and help businesses reduce their power bills.
What is covered by the energy saving grants?
Equipment upgrades that reduce energy consumption- Energy generation and storage projects (for example solar photovoltaic panels, batteries and solar hot water) will only be permitted for community organisations
- Investment in energy and emissions monitoring and management systems to better manage energy use
When do applications open?
- Eligible businesses will be able to apply for grants by January 2020
- Eligible community organisations will be able to apply for grants from 1 September 2019
Who can apply for funding?
Energy-saving grants will be made available for:
- Small businesses
- Businesses that consume large amounts (over 0.05 petajoules) of energy each year
- Community organisations
Definitions of the businesses that can seek funding will be refined during program design.
