MEDIA STATEMENT

Thursday 27 July 2023

More than $550,000 awarded to Indi local businesses from Energy Efficiency Grants

Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has announced 24 local businesses across Indi will share in $554,906 as part of the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises program.

The 24 local businesses were awarded between $14,628 and $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

These grants aim to contribute to Australia’s target of a 43% reduction on 2005 emission levels by 2030 and lower the operating costs of small local businesses.

“Small and medium businesses are crucial to our local economy and I am excited to see small businesses across Indi supported to invest in efficient energy use,” Dr Haines said.

The successful local businesses will be implementing energy upgrades, installing new hot water systems and thermal windows, purchasing efficient equipment and implementing systems to monitor energy consumption.

“These grants for small and medium sized businesses are an important move towards renewable energy being used in our local communities.

Switching to renewables helps local businesses save money,” Dr Haines said.

“These grants empower small business owners to manage their energy use and reduce their power bills.

“Right across Indi, business owners tell me rising electricity bills make running a small business increasingly challenging. These grants offer relief to 24 local businesses that will be saving energy for years to come.”

There was a high level of interest in this grant program and more funding has been planned for 2024.

ENDS