Businesses can apply for support

Small businesses across the region can apply for a share in $9-million in government grants to help cover their power bills.

Applications are open for the Federal Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program.

Up to $20,000 might be available to small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10-million to upgrade equipment to reduce energy consumption, invest in monitoring systems to better manage energy use and to run energy audits to investigate other opportunities for efficiency.

The government will provide up to three grants per federal electorate to eligible small businesses.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said small business was critical in getting the economy back on track in a national response to the effect of

COVID-19. “Small businesses across areas such as Wannon are the lifeblood of our community and the backbone of the Australian economy,” he said.

“Providing support to unlock energy savings in their operations will only add to the resilience of these businesses.”

Mr Tehan said small business owners could access guidelines and application forms online at business.gov. au/grants-and-programs/en ergy-efficient-communitiesprogram-small-business, or by calling 13 28 46.

The government is also offering free advice to help small businesses and their representatives get better energy deals and increase their energy efficiency through a Business Energy Advice Program, BEAP.

Further information on BEAP and the Energy Efficient Communities Program is available at energy.gov.au.