$41 million in SME energy efficiency grants awarded

Forty-one million dollars in grants has been awarded to approximately 1,700 businesses under Round 2 of the federal Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Program.

Grants through the program are valued from $10,000 to $25,000 and are aimed at assisting companies lower energy use and improve energy efficiency.

“Breweries, manufacturers and commercial kitchens know that simple upgrades to LEDs, refrigeration or heating not only put downward pressure on bills but can also increase productivity and worker comfort,” said federal assistant minister for climate change and energy, Jenny McAllister, in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the department of climate change, energy, environment and water, grants have helped fund:

• upgrading or replacing inefficient technologies, such as changing existing display fridge cabinets with more efficient models or gas cookers with electric equivalents;  
• improving space and water heating systems;  
• conducting energy audits; and 
• installing energy monitoring systems. 

A full list of grant recipients is available here.

Picture: a heat pump (credit Engie)

Further reading

Grants for improving SME energy efficiency