The Federal Government has released a new program to assist small businesses with energy efficiency.
The Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP) will give small businesses access to two new free services: a personalised energy advice service, and an online tool to help them understand their energy saving opportunities.
The BEAP allows small businesses identify the best available energy plan, make practical changes to equipment and usage to improve energy efficiency, and apply for grants to deliver real energy savings.
The NSW Business Chamber will assist in the national delivery of one-on-one energy consultations for businesses with 6–20 employees. The Chamber is a multi-industry, peak business organisation that has proven ability to generate interest in energy advice and deliver services to small business. Small businesses can register for their free consultation at businessenergyadvice.com.au.
The Government has partnered with AlphaBeta and Xero to develop the Small Business Energy Check online benchmarking tool, which allows small businesses to compare their energy spend to that of other similar businesses in their area and industry.
Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister, Angus Tayor, said, “Whether you are a bakery in Bendigo or a manufacturer in Maroochydore, you can find out how your energy spend compares to other businesses like yours and take action, all in a matter of minutes.”
The BEAP is a result of recommendations from the 2018 ACCC Retail Electricity Price Enquiry, which found that small businesses can find it difficult to navigate the energy retail market and as a result are paying more than their fair share for energy.
“We are investing in small businesses, so they can invest in their business and their staff,” Mr Taylor said.
“Small and family businesses contribute billions of dollars to the Australian economy, and BEAP services build on the Australian Government’s strong record of support for small business and commitment to reducing energy costs.”
More information about the Business Energy Advice Program can be found here.
