Queensland announces $16 million in energy efficiency rebates for local SMEs

Lower power bills could be on the horizon for some of the more than 450,000 small and medium businesses across Queensland that are struggling with the current cost of living crisis after the Queensland Government announced it would expand its appliance cashback scheme. 

During the Premier’s CEDA State of the State Address earlier this week, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the cost of living measure aimed at small and medium businesses, which includes rebates of up to $12,500 to install energy-efficient equipment. 

The $16 million Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) program, a vital component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, is part of a $35 million government initiative dedicated to helping Queensland businesses lower energy usage and power bills.

Eligible Queensland businesses can claim up to $12,500 cashback. However, businesses must spend a minimum of $8,000 (GST exclusive) to receive the minimum rebate of $4,000.

The Queensland government also confirmed that from Thursday, October 5, it would commence rebating businesses up to 50% of the cost of installing new energy-efficient equipment.

Eligible consumer appliances, with a 4-star rating or better, commercial refrigerators or freezers, fan motors, LED lighting, motion sensors, air compressors, variable-speed chiller and drive units for a pump or fan are some of the items included under the eligible energy efficient equipment with the full list available on the Department of Energy and Public Work’s website.

Palaszczuk said during the State of the State Address that the $35 million in further rebates to support small to medium businesses, including the rebates of up to $12,500 to install energy efficiency equipment, builds on the $650 in power bill rebates already provided for small businesses across Queensland.

“We have been able to provide record cost of living support because we have kept our energy assets in public hands,” she said.

“And because we have ensured that Queenslanders receive a fair share on the returns from our coal royalties.”

Palaszczuk said Queensland has the biggest measures to ease the cost of living pressures in Australia.

“These have already cut power bills for every Queensland household,” she said.

“Now businesses can benefit with cheaper, more energy-efficient appliances which help save on their energy bills into the future.

“This we can do because our economy is strong.”

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said they know Queensland businesses are passionate about cutting their energy usage and doing their bit to help lower emissions.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Businesses Energy Saving and Transformation program means businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce the cost of their bills for years to come — savings we expect to see passed onto the consumer for necessary purchases, as businesses save on bills,” he said.

“Whether you’re the best butcher or baker on the block, or the only pub in town, this rebate will go a long way to helping local businesses save on running expenses while helping to protect the environment at the same time.”