500 businesses sign up to save money and energy


Released 19/09/2016

A local Indian restaurant, The Kashmir House, has just become the 500th business to sign up to Actsmart’s Business Energy and Water program, thereby receiving a free energy assessment and tailored report on how to reduce electricity, gas and water bills.

“Since the program commenced in 2012, we have had businesses ranging from cafes and restaurants to IGAs and fitness centres sign up,” said Ros Malouf, Senior Manager, Sustainability Programs.

“As well as the tailored reports, the program also provides up to $5000 in rebate assistance to small businesses located in the ACT.

“Through the program, The Kashmir House has upgraded an old drinks fridge to a new one, and replaced their very inefficient heating systems with an efficient reverse cycle electrical unit.”

Business owner Iqbal Khan said the Actsmart program helped his restaurant to reduce their winter energy bills.

“We had very high winter bills using inefficient heaters that were barely doing the job. The free energy assessment identified the main issues and we were able to upgrade to an efficient electrical heating system with the 50/50 rebate contribution from the ACT Government. 

“The assessment also identified replacement of an old drinks fridge with a new, more efficient unit which helped in reducing energy costs. It has helped us save just over $1,000 from our annual electricity bills.”

The restaurant is expected to save over $200 per year with the drinks fridge and $900 per year in heating bills, and has been eligible to receive the Actsmart rebate to help them with these upgrades.

Ms Malouf said over 500 businesses have participated in the program with more than 250 businesses utilising the Actsmart rebate to upgrade old inefficient equipment to energy saving equipment. This includes installing LED lighting, better heating/cooling equipment, modern refrigeration systems and efficient hot water systems saving businesses on average $2,500 per year on their electricity bills.  

“The commercial sector is Canberra’s biggest energy consumer and improving commercial energy efficiency will reduce business costs and contribute the Territory’s emission reduction goals,”
Ms Malouf said.

For more information visit www.actsmart.act.gov.au or contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Geoff Virtue

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0418 961 806

geoff.virtue@act.gov.au


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