Small business boost to encourage energy efficiency
Posted on October 4th, 2023
The Queensland Government is expanding its appliance cashback scheme to small and medium sized businesses under a new program.
The $16 million Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) program will target the state’s more than 450,000 small-to-medium businesses, helping them to save money off power bills.
QBEST is a key component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, launched one year ago.
From Thursday 5th October, the Queensland Government will rebate businesses up to 50 percent of the cost of installing new energy efficient equipment.
Eligible businesses will be able to claim up to $12,500 cash back, and must spend a minimum of $8000 (GST exclusive) to receive the minimum rebate of $4000.
The program is part of a $35 million initiative dedicated to helping Queensland businesses lower energy usage and costs, with the first program, QBEST Ag announced in August.
Energy-efficient equipment eligible for the rebate includes:
- Eligible consumer appliances – 4-star energy rating or better
- energy efficient commercial refrigerator or freezer (e.g. walk-in refrigerator, refrigerated display case, refrigerated vending machine)
- an electronically commutated fan motor if the installation is to replace another type of fan motor
- LED lighting
- a motion sensor, light level sensor or timer for lighting appliance
- a motor classified in the IE3 or IE4 category under the IEC standard, if the installation is to replace the EI1 or EI2 category under this standard
- a variable-speed air compressor
- a variable-speed chiller if the installation is to replace a fixed-drive chiller
- a variable-speed drive unit for a pump or fan.
Full eligibility requirements can be found on the DEPW website – www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/queensland-business-energy-savings-transformation
