Energy efficiency grants can play a crucial role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia reduce their energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The Energy Efficiency Grants initiative for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises is aiding businesses in upgrading or replacing inefficient equipment. So here goes our #1 guide to energy efficiency grants for Aussie SMEs.
This program is designed to help companies reduce their energy consumption and enhance overall energy efficiency. Additionally, it aims to determine the impact of energy price change on businesses.
But What are SMEs?
SMEs stand for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. SMEs are businesses that fall within a specific range of size criteria, which can vary by country.
Generally, SMEs are characterised by factors such as the number of employees, annual turnover, and total assets. The exact criteria can differ, but they typically include:
Micro-enterprises
- Employees: Fewer than ten employees
- Annual Turnover or Balance Sheet Total: Not exceeding a certain amount
Small Enterprises
- Employees: 10 to 49 employees
- Annual Turnover or Balance Sheet Total: Exceeding the limit for micro-enterprises but not exceeding a certain amount
Medium-sized Enterprises
- Employees: 50 to 249 employees
- Annual Turnover or Balance Sheet Total: Exceeding the limit for small enterprises but not exceeding a certain amount
These definitions can vary by industry and country. SMEs play a crucial role in the economy, contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic development. They are often considered the backbone of many economies around the world.
Energy Efficiency Grant Program for SMEs
The primary objectives of this program include:
- Enhancing practices related to energy efficiency.
- Raising awareness and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
- Supporting small and medium-sized businesses in effectively managing their energy consumption and associated costs.
- Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
The anticipated outcomes are as follows:
- Heightened awareness regarding opportunities for energy efficiency.
- Assistance provided to small and medium businesses in conserving energy and reducing their electricity expenses.
Contributing to Australia’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 to 2030.
Application Details
A second round of grants is scheduled to open in early 2024. The initial round concluded for new applications in April 2023.
For updates on current and upcoming Australian grant opportunities, you can subscribe to alerts on GrantConnect.
How can the Energy efficiency Grants be Appropriately Utilised for SMEs
Properly utilising these grants involves a strategic approach, considering SMEs’ unique needs and challenges.
Here’s a thorough discussion on how SMEs in Australia can effectively utilise energy efficiency grants:
Awareness and Education:
Workshops and Training Programs: Conduct workshops and training sessions to raise awareness among SMEs about the availability of energy efficiency grants. Provide information on the potential benefits and the application process.
Energy Audits:
Subsidised Energy Audits: Use grants to subsidise energy audits for SMEs. These audits can identify areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made. It also helps Australian industries understand their current energy usage patterns and potential savings.
Technology Adoption:
Financial Support for Upgrades: Offer financial assistance for SMEs to invest in energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart energy management systems.
Technology Consultation Services: Provide consultancy services to help SMEs choose the most suitable and cost-effective energy-saving technologies.
Implementation Support:
Project Implementation Grants: Offer grants to support the implementation of energy-saving projects. It can include assistance with the installation of energy-efficient equipment or systems.
Access to Experts: Facilitate access to experts or consultants who can guide SMEs through the implementation process, ensuring that the energy efficiency measures are effectively integrated into their operations.
Monitoring and Measurement:
Data Monitoring Systems: Allocate funds for implementing energy monitoring systems that allow SMEs to track their energy usage in real-time—this helps identify deviations from expected energy savings.
Performance Benchmarking: Establish benchmarks to measure the performance of implemented energy efficiency measures and provide ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement.
Capacity Building:
Training Programs: Develop training programs to enhance the skills of SME staff in energy management. It empowers them to identify and implement energy-saving measures on an ongoing basis.
Networking Opportunities: Facilitate networking opportunities for SMEs to share experiences and best practices in energy efficiency, fostering a community of businesses committed to sustainable practices.
Documentation and Reporting:
Grant Compliance Assistance: Support SMEs to ensure they meet the reporting requirements associated with the grants. It includes documenting the impact of energy efficiency measures on their operations and the environment.
Promotion and Recognition:
Publicise Success Stories: Showcase successful energy efficiency projects among SMEs to inspire others and build awareness of the positive outcomes achievable through these grants.
Recognition Programs: Establish recognition programs or awards to acknowledge SMEs demonstrating exceptional commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Policy Advocacy:
Collaboration with Government: Collaborate with government bodies to advocate for policies that encourage and support energy efficiency initiatives among SMEs. This can include lobbying for increased funding for grants and streamlined application processes.
Long-Term Support:
Sustainability Planning: Assist SMEs in developing long-term sustainability plans beyond the grant period, ensuring that energy efficiency remains a priority in their business strategy.
Continued Support Services: Establish a support mechanism to address any challenges or questions SMEs may have after the grant period, fostering a lasting commitment to energy efficiency.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency Grant for SMEs in Australia
Energy efficiency grants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia offer a range of benefits to businesses, the broader economy, and the environment.
Here are some key advantages of these grants:
Cost Savings:
Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can significantly reduce energy consumption, lowering SMEs’ utility bills and operational expenses.
Financial Incentives:
Grants provide financial assistance for SMEs to invest in energy-saving technologies and upgrades, reducing the financial burden of adopting these measures.
Improved Competitiveness:
Businesses prioritising energy efficiency may gain a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. This can attract environmentally conscious consumers and partners.
Environmental Impact:
Energy efficiency measures help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability and aligning businesses with broader environmental goals.
Compliance and Certification:
Some grants may come with requirements for meeting specific energy efficiency standards. Compliance with these standards ensures eligibility for the grant and helps SMEs stay in line with evolving environmental regulations.
Technological Upgrades:
Grants enable SMEs to adopt the latest energy-efficient technologies, enhancing their operations’ productivity, reliability, and overall efficiency.
Job Creation:
Implementing energy efficiency projects requires skilled labour for design, installation, and maintenance, contributing to job creation within the community.
Capacity Building:
Training and capacity-building programs supported by grants enhance the skills of SME employees, making them more adept at identifying and implementing energy-saving measures.
Long-Term Savings:
Energy efficiency grants encourage SMEs to adopt sustainable practices that yield long-term benefits, helping them build resilience against future energy price fluctuations.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
Businesses pursuing energy efficiency initiatives supported by grants can enhance their reputation and foster positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and the local community.
Innovation and Research:
Grants can stimulate innovation in developing new energy-efficient technologies and solutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation.
Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels:
Energy efficiency measures can reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, promoting a more diverse and resilient energy supply for businesses.
Government and Industry Collaboration:
Collaboration between the government and SMEs in the energy efficiency sector can contribute to economic growth by fostering innovation and creating new business opportunities.
Risk Mitigation:
Implementing energy efficiency measures can enhance energy security for SMEs by reducing their vulnerability to energy supply disruptions and price volatility.
Societal Benefits:
Energy efficiency measures can improve indoor air quality and working conditions, positively impacting the health and well-being of employees.
In summary, energy efficiency grants offer many benefits, ranging from immediate cost savings and financial incentives to long-term environmental sustainability and enhanced competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises in Australia.
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The post 1 Guide to Energy Efficiency Grants for Aussie SMEs appeared first on Cyanergy.
Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.
Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.
However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.
But what are the main issues?
Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.
That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!
By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.
This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.
So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!
From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.
Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.
Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:
- In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs. - The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options. -
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.
Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path
It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.
So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:
Choosing the right system
For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:
- One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units
- One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and
- One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.
- Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.
However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.
Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater
As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.
This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.
Installation Process & Timing Period
- Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.
- The quote needs to be accepted and dated.
- Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance. - The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping. - The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.
- The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.
Choosing efficiency over just cooling
Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.
Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.
At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:
“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”
Out-of-pocket and rebate
Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.
In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.
The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.
So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.
How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.
Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.
So, to qualify under the VEU program:
- The property must be more than two years old.
- The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
- The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.
How the Rebate Works
In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.
After installation:
- The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
- They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
- The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.
The homeowner simply has to:
- Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
- Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.
The Result
The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.
Why is the VEU rebate significant?
Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:
On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.
Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.
Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.
Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!
Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.
Before Adding Air Conditioning System
- Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
- In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620. - In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300. - Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920
After Adding the Air Conditioning System
- Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
- During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.
Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.
- In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180. - So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.
Net Savings
Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.
At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.
However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.
This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.
Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program
Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.
- Don’t wait until your system dies.
Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.
- Choose a provider who handles the rebates.
Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.
- Understand the actual savings potential.
It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.
- Ensure proper sizing and zone control.
As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.
- Factor in non-energy benefits.
Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.
- Check the accreditation and compliance.
With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.
So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.
- Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.
This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.
- Monitor your bills after installation.
Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.
Be realistic about pay-back
Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).
However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.
Final Notes
This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.
This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.
The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.
This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:
- Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
- Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
- Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
- A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.
So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!
Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.
About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.
“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.
Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.
If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.
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