Photo: Green Energy Electrical

Victorian businesses will now benefit from additional funding of $2.5 million to help them reduce energy costs.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available to improve gas efficiency for gas-related projects including capital equipment upgrades, non-routine maintenance and repairs, fuel switching, and improving metering.

These will improve energy productivity and affordability, support jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Improving energy and materials efficiency has clear commercial benefits and often with a fast return on investment.

In addition, a series of Gas Efficiency Masterclasses will be held throughout Victoria, with one-on-one mentoring and business coaching run by the Australian Industry Group.

Today’s announcement is the latest in a suite of programs to help businesses affected by rising energy costs.

Funding to help businesses is also available through Energy Assessment grants, the maximum grant value will rise from $9,000 to $18,000 per business.

A Sustainable Finance Service that supports businesses to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy has also been established.

Materials efficiency grants can help manufacturers make more efficient use of materials and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Grants of up to $13,000 per business are available to assess business needs and to implement improved processes.