More than 300,000 small businesses will start receiving power bill rebates from tomorrow as the Minns Labor Government fulfils its election promise to deliver energy price relief.
Eligible small businesses using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year will receive $650 towards their electricity bills.
Small businesses have not been able to access NSW energy rebates until now.
Eligible small business retail customers do not need to do anything as their retailer will apply the energy bill relief to their electricity account from 31 July 2023 in quarterly instalments.
Small businesses that are part of an embedded network (for example, located in a shopping centre) will be able to apply from October 2023.
In addition to the relief for small business, 1.6 million eligible low-income households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families, veterans, carers and people who use life support equipment will receive $500 to help pay their electricity bills.
Most eligible households will receive the Energy Bill Relief payment automatically. The NSW Government is encouraging all households to check their eligibility for NSW energy rebates with their retailer or on the Service NSW website and apply if needed.
The Energy Bill Relief payments are being delivered by the NSW Government under a partnership with the Commonwealth. It includes $485 million pledged by the NSW Government and $481 million by the Commonwealth Government to provide targeted, temporary energy bill relief in the 2023-2024 financial year.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“We are taking the edge off rising power bills for 320,000 small businesses across NSW.
“Power bill relief for business means cost-of-living relief for all of us. That’s a good thing for families and households.
“I know small businesses and families are doing it tough right now.
“1.6 million households will be getting Energy Bill Relief too.
“If you’re an eligible business or a household, check that you’re getting a rebate.
“We want everyone who is eligible getting this help.”
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
“The Government was elected to provide real support for small businesses and that is exactly what we are delivering.
“The Energy Bill Relief Fund will help around 300,000 eligible small businesses pay their bills.
“The NSW Labor Government is committed to keeping downward pressure on power prices, while working to provide cleaner and cheaper energy through renewable sources.”
Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:
“The former Government left the state in a financial mess, and the current economic situation is placing additional stress on business owners.
“With the increases to electricity prices, we know this targeted relief will help keep businesses’ doors open.
“The NSW Labor Government is partnering with businesses to provide them with support they need.”
To find out more, visit National Energy Bill Relief
