South Australian businesses can now apply for up to $75,000 in matched grants to slash their power bills.
A fresh $20 million round of SA’s Powering Business Grants will open this month, targeting energy cost reductions through co-investment in energy-efficient technologies.
Medium-sized enterprises (those with up to 199 employees) will be eligible for the first time.
Delivered under the $154 million Business Growth Fund (BGF), the grants offer matched funding of up to $75,000 for businesses and not-for-profits investing in equipment such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and high-efficiency appliances.
Funds can also go toward structural improvements that enhance building thermal performance.
The scheme aims to deliver measurable reductions in operational energy costs and consumption.
According to the SA Government, more than 1000 recipients in the previous round shared $23.6 million, which was projected by applicants to cut collective annual power bills by around $24 million.
The top recipients came from the retail, hospitality, accommodation, and manufacturing sectors. Battery and solar systems were the most commonly funded items, followed by energy-efficient appliances and industrial equipment such as motors, pumps and compressors.
Case studies include Noori restaurant at Port Noarlunga, which installed a battery and kitchen upgrades, now saving more than $1,500 per year.
“Power bills are a particular pain point for businesses,” said Andrea Michaels, Minister for Small and Family Business.
“This grant is providing real relief where it is needed.”
Under the BGF’s overarching guidelines, grants are limited to 50 per cent of eligible expenditure, which excludes in-kind contributions, funding from other government sources, and retroactive costs.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that the project will deliver long-term economic benefits such as job creation, productivity gains, or transformational change including decarbonisation.
Projects must also comply with the South Australian Industry Participation Policy, and grant milestones are contractually enforceable.
Applications will be assessed competitively and must include a detailed business case. Projects unable to proceed without grant support will be prioritised.
Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to begin scoping eligible equipment and upgrades ahead of the official application opening. Registrations of interest and further information are available here.