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Victorian Government supports businesses pursuing smarter energy use 13 October 2016

Energy efficiency experts have welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement that they will spend $3 million to support small to medium-sized businesses pursuing smarter energy use.

Over 1,000 Victorian businesses will benefit from the SV Business - Boosting Productivity grants program,  which will help businesses get expert support to identify and implement actions that cut energy costs and improve productivity.

The Energy Efficiency Council's CEO, Luke Menzel, said "Victoria's small and medium sized businesses – whether they are child care centres or advanced manufacturers – know their businesses inside out. However, they often don't have the time or specialised expertise to identify cost effective energy efficiency opportunities. That means improvements that could save them money on their energy bills and make their businesses more productive get missed."

The new program – administered by Sustainability Victoria – will provide grants to eligible businesses to commission an energy assessment, the crucial first step in identifying and implementing energy efficiency improvements.

The program will also award industry capability grants that support industry associations and business networks to build the capability of businesses to improve their energy efficiency.

"Raising energy efficiency often has benefits beyond cost savings on energy bills, including broader improvements in resource and process efficiency, and healthier and more comfortable workplaces," said Luke Menzel.

"This program will help Victorian businesses get the expert support they need to identify opportunities that deliver these multiple benefits, and get advice on the crucial next step – implementation," concluded Luke Menzel.

More details on the program are available at the Sustainability Victoria website.

Media contact
Daniela Vrljic
Executive, Events & Communications  
Energy Efficiency Council    
M: 0430 001 225   
E: daniela.vrljic@eec.org.au