For Businesses in Australia, electricity is one of the most important things. They use electricity for daily operation and on ensuring employee’s comfort. Also, business customers consume more power than residential especially during daytime and peak hours. That’s why many retailers offer competitive plans to lit up small to large businesses. Here’s more information about it.
Quick Facts
- Small to medium businesses usually use a standard range of energy plans. On the other hand, large businesses negotiate directly with retailers.
- Businesses are eligible to avail both power and gas with solar energy. However, availability still depends on the state and Energy Retailer.
- Businesses may also qualify for discounts and rebates to help reduce energy costs.
- One tera Joule (TJ) equals one million mega Joules (MJ).
- One megawatt hour (mWh) equals one thousand kilowatt hours (kWh).
BUSINESS ENERGY CUSTOMERS
Small Business
According to National energy laws, there are some states which qualify for standard plans. They may also shop around, compare plans and switch retailer on their own. The following states are:
Customers who use below 1 TJ of gas each year are considered as small business customers. For electricity, small business is defined depends on usage:
| State | Usage |
| QLD, NSW, and ACT | Up to 100 MWh / year |
| TAS | Up to 150 MWh / year |
| SA | Up to 160 MWh / year |
Large Business
Large business customers must directly negotiate energy plans with their chosen retailer.
New Connection VS Existing Plan
Customers with newly established small business may visit comparator websites. Compare prices and choose retailer, which offer the most competitive deal. For a large business, do research, check for retailers who offer the biggest discounts and contact them directly.
Small business customers with an existing plan should use energy comparator sites too. It is an easy way to determine which is the most competitive plan. Consider factors such as business needs and rates charged by the retailer before switching.
Comparator website: https://www.econnex.com.au/
Types Of Business Energy
- Natural gas – non-renewable, use for heating and cooling.
- Electricity – should be connected to the grid, to provide power on the whole business premises.
- Solar power – business which uses solar panels is eligible to receive feed-in-tariffs.
Discounts and rebates available
| States | Discounts and Rebates |
Business Energy Efficient Product Upgrades Discount for energy-efficient products and services Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Grants Matched funding up to $30,000 for energy efficient upgrades. Energy Saver Incentive Program Special offer for energy-saving products and services. | |
| Business Energy Efficient Lighting Assistance Discounted rates when purchasing and install LED bulbs.
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| Business Efficiency Assistance Support businesses in eligible areas who want to switch to energy-efficient technology. Energy Efficient Air Conditioning Incentives Up to $400 rebates when a business installed an Ergon Energy Peak Smart compatible air conditioner.
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Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme Free or discounted installation of energy-efficient technology, support by the government.
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Business Energy and Water Program Up to $5,000 rebates for business, if a switch to energy-efficient technologies. Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Discounted or free energy-efficient lighting for small and medium businesses. | |
TAS | Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme A small business may eligible for $500 to $10,000 loan for any energy-efficient materials (until 30 Apr 2019). |
| NT | Business Efficiency Assistance Financial support native businesses on energy upgrades.
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Know more about Types of Energy used by Businesses in Australia.
Econnex is an energy comparator tool which provides a free service. If you wish to compare plans and switch retailer, you can do it here in your most convenient time. Click here and lower your business energy costs today.
