The Victorian Liberal Nationals support the Federal Government’s recent announcement that small businesses will be eligible for major grants to help bring down their power bills during COVID-19.
Victorian small businesses with turnover of less than $10 million can apply for grants of up to $20,000 to invest in equipment to reduce their energy consumption.
This move, part of the Federal Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program, will also help to reduce emissions by reducing energy use.
Power bill relief is desperately needed by Victorian small businesses, as small business energy bills have been allowed to soar out of control under the Andrews Labor Government.
According to the ESC, average annual small business power bills have gone from $3,207 at 30 June 2017 (Victorian Energy Market Report 2018-19, p 51), to $4,006 at 31 March 2020 (Victorian Energy Market Update: June 2020, p 12).
That’s an annual increase of $799 or about 25 per cent, for the electricity bills of Victorian small businesses.
Whilst the Federal Coalition Government is providing relief for struggling businesses suffering from increased power prices, Daniel Andrews has let them down, allowing prices to spiral out of control.
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ryan Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables
“The Federal Government is helping small businesses bring down power prices. This real leadership. It is a stark contrast to the Andrew Labor Government’s failed approach, which has crippled small businesses.”