Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has launched the Business Energy Advice Program that offers free advice to small businesses to help choose best-priced energy options.
“These small businesses make up more than 97% of businesses in Australia and when it comes to energy consumption, they really feel the pain,” Carnell said. “Small businesses pay higher rates than households and use more energy, particularly manufacturers and the hospitality industry.
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| Kate Carnel, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman |
“They are less confident in finding the right information because what is out there is so complex, and they really don’t have the time and resources to investigate all alternatives.
We know small business owners are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety about energy bills, with 68% reporting these bills affect their cash flow.”
A recent SME survey showed that 70% of businesses would reduce investment in capital expenditure due to higher energy prices.
“The new Business Energy Advice Program offers an energy check benchmarking tool and a personalised energy advice service,” said Carnell. “Instead of trying to absorb energy price rises, which 85% of small businesses have said they would struggle to do, they will be able to shop around for a better deal.
“I encourage all small businesses [with 20 or less employees] to get onto the Business Energy Advice website to check their energy spend and find out how they can save money.”
