Could you be eligible for $50,000 towards your business’ energy efficiency?

South Australian Business News
Thursday, October 17th 2024
Solar Panels

- Member Benefit

As energy costs continue to rise, many small businesses in South Australia are feeling the financial strain. It is unfortunately common knowledge that the average business in South Australia will face the dearest electricity charges in the country.

To provide some relief, and help our state move towards a net zero future, the South Australian Government has stepped in with the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant scheme, a valuable initiative aimed at helping small businesses reduce their energy bills and improve their sustainability.

A total of $20 million is available in 2024 – 25 for South Australian small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, offering up to 50% matched funding for investing in energy efficient equipment or improvements to reduce and manage energy use and costs. 

Under the scheme the government will reimburse a business up to 50% in matched funding for eligible upgrades, which could include things such as solar panels, battery storage systems, energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling, and much more. Grants will range from $2,500 to a maximum of $50,000, making this a great opportunity for small business owners who are looking to reduce their energy costs, while investing in a long-term solution in their business. 

To qualify, businesses must meet a few key criteria:

  • You need to have an active ABN
  • Be registered for GST
  • Be located and operating in South Australia; and
    • Be a small business electricity customer and consume less than 160 MWh of electricity annually, or
    • have an Australia-wide group payroll under $1.5 million.
  • Be able to provide matched funding of at least 50% of the eligible costs.

Home-based businesses and/​or public companies are not eligible. To read the full eligibility criteria, we recommend that you visit the Office for Small & Family Business website.

While many business owners may often delay these types of upgrades due to the upfront costs, the real question is — can you afford to wait? And when the government is willing to possibly kick in 50% of the investment in matched funding, we’re not sure there’s been a better opportunity. 

SA Business Chamber member Spark Energy Australia has extensive experience helping businesses navigate the process of upgrading to solar and battery storage systems. They can assist with everything from assessing your business’s energy needs, to designing custom solar solutions to suit your needs, to preparing some of the necessary documentation for grant applications. 

Our goal is to make the transition to renewable energy as seamless as possible, helping your business unlock both immediate savings and long-term sustainability”, says Founder Greg Pipicella.

With applications for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant closing on 29 November 2024, or sooner if funds run out, there’s no time to waste. Business owners looking to secure financial support for energy-efficient upgrades should act now.

Spark Energy Australia is ready to help businesses take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, or to start the application process, they can be reached here.

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