New Energy Cut initiative helps small businesses manage costs

The new Energy Cut initiative provides small businesses with valuable ways to manage energy costs, said Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) CEO Oliver Yates.

Energy Cut is a joint initiative of not-for-profit positive-change organisation Do Something and the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA). It was researched by Do Something’s Jon Dee, who also co-founded Plant Ark and National Tree Day. Energy Cut received funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, which actively supports the small business sector.

The initiative provides small businesses with a practical 20-step guide to saving energy, such as better managing heating and air-conditioning systems, controlling transport costs and securing financing for energy-efficiency upgrades.

“Small businesses are the engine room of the Australian economy, accounting for nearly half of private sector employment,” said Yates. “Energy Cut provides these businesses with expert knowledge on improving their energy efficiency, which has the potential to improve productivity and business performance.”

CEFC finance is already helping small businesses control their energy costs by installing new efficient equipment and solar PV; for example, New South Wales foam manufacturer Joyce Foam Products more than halved its lighting bills through upgrading with induction lamps.

“Through our work it’s clear that small businesses can benefit through lower energy costs and wider productivity gains, improving their overall competitiveness and positioning them for continued growth,” Yates said.

“Energy Cut points the way for small businesses to make informed choices in order to save on energy costs.”