The Allan Labor Government is helping Victorian businesses slash their energy bills and save money on their operating costs by switching to more efficient electric operations.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio visited Ball Australia's expansive horticultural nursey in Skye where their 42,600 square-metre greenhouse could benefit by going electric thanks to Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
With a $24,000 Large Energy User grant, Ball Australia undertook a feasibility study on how it could replace its existing gas boiler with a high temperature electric heat pump and install a thermal storage buffer tank to boost efficiency and cut down gas use to save money.
The feasibility study found a heat pump combined with a 30,000-litre thermal storage tank, could cut the site's gas use by 96 percent, saving around 36,080 gigajoules of gas each year and cutting energy costs by about $748,000.
The company would also be eligible for up to $706,000 in discounts on their installation through the VEU. With the upfront discounts and yearly energy bill savings the project would pay for itself in just five years.
As part of the $1.6 million Large Energy User Electrification Support Program, 36 businesses received grants of up to $60,000 to assess how they could electrify their businesses by switching to energy efficient heat pumps, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, ovens, furnaces, dryers and more.
Businesses can also take advantage of project-based upgrades under the Victorian Energy Upgrades. This allows business to custom upgrades to energy efficiency, like installing solar panels and upgrading processes for heat and steam, heating, ventilation and air conditioning refrigeration systems, fans and motors.
Since its inception, the VEU program has helped more than 2.4 million households and 180,000 businesses upgrade their appliances, save on bills.
To learn more about how other businesses have benefited from the program, visit energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/businesses/large-businesses-energy-case-studies
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"We're focused on helping Victorian businesses take real steps to cut their energy bills and Ball Australia is a great example of what's possible."
As stated by Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman
"We're helping small and family businesses save thousands on their energy bills, through the Victoria Energy Upgrades program."
As stated by Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
"These feasibility studies give businesses the confidence to invest in cheaper and energy efficient technologies that will save their businesses money from day one."
