The ACT government has released a new rebate for small business owners to increase sustainability. Under the Actsmart Business Energy and Water Program, businesses in the ACT will be eligible to apply for rebates up to $5,000 to improve their businesses energy and water efficiency. Businesses could be eligible to apply for two rebates. One rebate will cover up to 50% of the costs of upgrades to more sustainable systems for lighting, appliances, heating or cooling, refrigeration, insulating, toilets and tapware. The other will can cover up to 50% of the cost of a commercial solar system.
Is my business eligible?
To qualify for either rebate your business needs to:
- Be operating in the ACT.
- Have electricity bills of up to $25,000 and/or
- Employ a maximum of 20 people.
- Have a commercial premise (home businesses don’t qualify).
How to apply for the Energy and Water Efficiency rebate
To apply for the rebate, you will need complete the application form found here and return it via email to businessenergy@act.gov.au.
If your application is successful, you will be contacted by an Actsmart energy assessor who will recommend improvements for your business to implement. Once you have completed the recommended improvements, you can claim back 50% of your investment or up to $5,000.
How to apply for the solar rebate
When applying for the solar rebate, you will be appointed a solar professional from Actsmart that will provide you with advice and support. Your solar professional will:
- Provide advice on the basics of solar technology
- Help to identify your solar requirements
- Assist in navigating your quotes
To be eligible for the solar rebate your business must have participated in the Actsmart Business Energy and Water Program or have limited scope to do so. Prior to applying for the solar rebate, you will need to follow the above process and apply for both programs. Once you have been accepted, you will need to discuss your intention to apply for the solar rebate with your Actsmart energy assessor and complete the Solar pre-approval for rebate form found here.
Your application form and subsequent quote must be approved by your dedicated solar professional prior to you commencing works. Once you have approval you can go ahead with your solar install. Once the job is complete and paid, you will be able to claim 50% of the total cost of up to $5,000.
What if I already have solar but want to upgrade?
If you would like to add additional panels to your existing system, you could still be eligible as long as the combined size of the new and existing system is no greater than 30kW.
What if my business isn’t eligible?
If your business is not eligible for a solar rebate but you’re still interested in having solar installed, you can still contact Actsmart and speak to a solar professional. They will offer you free advice and can assist you in determining a reputable solar company to use for your installation. You can contact Actsmart on 13 22 81.
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