Member for Morwell Russell Northe is encouraging eligible businesses across the Morwell electorate to apply for an Energy Assessment Grant.
“Industry has made it absolutely clear that the responsibility of power price rises rests with the Andrews Labor Government and their damaging energy policies to increase the tax on coal by $252 million and implement a go-it-alone Victorian renewable energy target,” Mr Northe said.
“Despite Daniel Andrews promise to the contrary, we now have confirmation that electricity prices are about to go up by around 10 per cent, with more increases in store when the full impact of the Hazelwood Power Plant closure flows through.”
Sustainability Victoria is offering grants to enable businesses to carry out an energy assessment and identify and implement energy improvements.
“I encourage local businesses to consider investing in an Energy Assessment Grant in the context of what we know will be a significant cost increase for power beginning in 2017,” Mr Northe said.
Funding is available to cover 50 per cent of the cost of an energy assessment at two levels:
- A basic energy assessment which provides up to $2,000 towards the cost of an assessment. This is recommended for businesses spending between $20,000 and $50,000 on energy per annum
- A detailed energy assessment which provides up to $6,000 towards the cost of an assessment. This is recommended for businesses spending more than $50,000 on energy per annum
A $3,000 implementation bonus is available for both grant types to carry out one or more assessment recommendations which will result in a reduction in energy at the business site.
Applications close on 28 September 2018, unless funds are fully allocated before this date.
Interested businesses can register to be sent the guidelines and application form at http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/services-and-advice/business/energy-and-materials-efficiency-for-business/boosting-productivity/energy-assessment-grants
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