Government’s fully-funded energy advice program, anyone?
The government has launched a $11.7 million small business energy program (BEAP) in September 2019 in a bid to battle rising energy costs.
Speaking at the launch of the program, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell applauded this initiative.
“These small businesses make up more than 97 per cent of businesses in Australia and when it comes to energy consumption, they really feel the pain,” Carnell said. “They are less confident in finding the right information because what is out there is so complex, and they really don’t have the time and resources to investigate all alternatives.”
Carnell said with a high percentage of business owners reporting bill stress, the service comes at a perfect time. “We know small business owners are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety about energy bills, with 68% reporting these bills affect their cash flow.”
“A recent SME survey showed 70 percent would reduce investment in capital expenditure due to higher energy prices.”
The program involves two free tools: a personalised energy advice service and a small business energy check online benchmarking tool.
Small businesses have been struggling to deal with escalating energy prices and Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP) would provide some assistance.
Australian Business, a division of the NSW Business Chamber, assists in the national delivery of one-on-one energy consultations for businesses with 6–20 employees. Free Engineer (FE) has assisted some of the Chambers of Commerce members in Victoria and New South Wales to significantly reduce energy consumption. As FE became familiar with the Chambers of Commerce, FE recognised the influence and capability of the Chambers of Commerce to help Australian businesses on their energy reduction journey.
Therefore, FE proceeded to get behind this program and the Chambers. FE was honoured to be exclusively invited to the BEAP launch with Angus Taylor, The Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction.
To find out on how your business can access the BEAP’s 1 on 1 consultation, please email Eric@freeengineer.com.au now.
Here's the media release on 7 News:
A new service to get a better deal on energy prices is now available to small businesses. The Business Energy Advice Program offers a personalised service so they can improve energy efficiency and reduce bills. https://t.co/OF81oZFF1j #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/pUks5RPx6i
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) August 26, 2019
Sources: www.smh.com.au ; www.kochiesbusinessbuilders.com.au