The Hodgman Government is committed to helping businesses take control of their power bills and keep a lid on their costs.
Energy Minister Matthew Groom said that power bills are a big issue for Tasmanian small businesses and that many would like to do more to save money, but they need assistance to turn an aspiration into reality.
“The Hodgman Government is acting, by extending the successful Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan scheme to small businesses,” Mr Groom said.
“This will allow businesses to apply for no interest loans of up to $40,000 to invest in energy efficiency products to help manage energy bills.
“The Scheme is currently capped at $10,000 and has so far seen nearly 3,000 eligible applications received, with nearly $9 million worth of projects approved and nearly $5 million worth of projects already completed.
“Over 300 enquiries have already been received from businesses wanting to access larger loans.
“The success of the Scheme demonstrates that people want to engage in energy efficiency and better manage their bills.
“This is also an economic stimulus measure, because local businesses must be used when purchasing and installing equipment. It’s a win-win,” Mr Groom said.
Aurora Energy Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Kardos said the time was right to extend the Scheme to Tasmanian small businesses looking to make larger investments in energy efficiency.
“We know that the use of energy is critical to the operations of small businesses and represents a significant input cost.
“The no-interest loans offered through the Scheme will make a practical difference, supporting small businesses in Tasmania to make energy saving investments,” Ms Kardos said.
Tasmanian Small Business Council Executive Officer Robert Mallett congratulated the Tasmanian Government for increasing the opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the Scheme.
“Energy is an integral component of every business and the opportunity to make much needed upgrades or investment in new sustainable energy infrastructure is extremely valuable,” Mr Mallett said.
“The Scheme provides businesses with the opportunity to purchase both cost saving services for business premises and energy efficient productive machinery, freezers and pumping equipment that will reduce energy costs and thus improve business viability.
“The Tasmanian Small Business Council recognises the moves by the Government to make energy for small businesses more affordable with the recent tariff announcements.
“The added opportunity to save in interest payments to invest in energy efficient infrastructure in their business is a huge added bonus.”
Rural Business Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Skirving said Rural Business Tasmania has been working with Aurora Energy for the past 18 months with its Agribusiness Support Program and the next stage of Scheme was welcomed by Tasmanian rural small businesses.
“The interest-free loans will be useful to businesses by providing them with the opportunity to upgrade equipment to reduce their ongoing expenses,” he said.
Applications for the loans and a list of eligible appliances can be found at Aurora Energy’s website at www.auroraenergy.com.au.