NSW offers $4.5m to help businesses install smarter energy systems
The NSW Government has opened $4.5 million in grants to help medium and large businesses install metering and monitoring systems that track energy use, identify inefficiencies, and cut costs while reducing emissions.
Understanding how and where energy is used is one of the most practical ways for a business to cut costs and emissions. The NSW Government is now inviting applications for several grant programs designed to help organisations at different stages of their energy metering and monitoring journey.
The funding—part of a $12 million program supporting business energy performance—includes three current grant opportunities: the Submetering Grant, Metering Plan Implementation Grant, and Energy Performance Services Grant. Together, they aim to help businesses measure, analyse and act on their energy data.
Businesses can save between 5 and 15 per cent on energy bills by using metering and monitoring systems to identify inefficiencies and track performance. These systems also help companies plan equipment upgrades, assess electrification options, and report on emissions.
“These funding opportunities are a win-win for businesses, cutting their energy costs while bringing down emissions through smart and specific solutions,” said Rana Juppin, NSW DCCEEW Director Capacity Building and Market Development.
Funding for every stage of energy management
The Submetering Grant (Round 2) supports the installation of permanent submeters, including hardware and software integration. It covers up to half of project costs, capped at $20,000.
The Metering Plan Implementation Grant (Round 2) helps businesses carry out larger-scale upgrades, offering $20,001 to $100,000 for projects informed by metering and monitoring plans.
For companies that already have systems in place and want to make better use of their data, the Energy Performance Services Grant offers up to $50,000 for planning, access to analytics software, data integration and expert advice. Each grant covers up to 50 per cent of total project costs.
Since 2022, almost $950,000 has been distributed to 60 projects under the Submetering Grant, while $1.3 million has supported 23 projects through the Metering Plan Implementation program. Participants have come from industries as varied as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, and sport.
“Any business spending $200,000 or more on energy annually should explore which of these three grants best suits their needs,” Ms Juppin said.
Planning and resources
Alongside the grants, the Metering and Monitoring Planning Initiative offers up to $15,000 for businesses to assess their energy data systems with help from a specialist panel. This planning phase can set the foundation for future grant applications.
The NSW Government has also released practical guides and case studies from businesses that have benefited from metering and monitoring support.
