Grants worth up to $50,000 to be allocated to eligible small businesses for energy relief

Adelaide businesses will be able to invest in new energy infrastructure as the state government tries to help offset high energy costs.

Small businesses can throw their hats into the ring for a huge discount on their energy bills – helped in part by the state government.

After a successful second round of the Economic Recovery Fund, the Malinauskas government is lifting a cap on grants amid the high demand.

One Sneaky Cheetah, a popular pizza chain located in Ridleyton, is among 450 approved applicants receiving a maximum $50,000 for investment towards solar and battery storage at two of their venues.

“It’s worked for us perfectly,” One Sneaky Cheetah director Joe Anderson said.

“It means that two of our venues will be cost neutral in terms of our electricity bills, and we’ll have the benefit of that for a number of years. The lifetime of the batteries is 10 years plus, so it will certainly pay for itself many times over the course of that period.”

Mr Anderson said the rise in food production costs and inflation figures had hit them the hardest since they began operating in December 2021.

“Being able to afford to have both solar panels and batteries was important for our business because we open at night and use the electricity that has been stored during the day,” he said.

Mr Anderson said their business would be able to save $80,000 a year in energy prices, giving them an “extra kick” to expand into their fifth store.

About 1400 applications were received during Round 2 with more than $10m worth of projects receiving approval.

“We recognise that it’s a tough operating environment for businesses and are doing what we can to help,” Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said.

The grants will range from $2500 to a maximum of $50,000, with assistance in purchasing batteries and solar panels, providing energy-efficient appliance replacements and automation technologies, and ensuring improved heating and cooling.

With the cap removed, all eligible applications will be considered in light of the high cost pressures faced by small businesses.

The next round for applications will be announced soon.