Small and medium food and beverage manufacturers in Hume can apply for a grant of up to $25,000 each to save money on energy bills, improve energy efficiency and adopt new energy technologies under the latest $19.9 million round of the Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) program. 

The grants can be used to replace existing equipment with more energy-efficient models, carry out energy audits, or improve energy monitoring and management – Federal Minister for Energy and Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the funding would help manufacturing businesses lower their power bills and emissions.  

The food and beverage manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, contributing around $22.4 billion to the economy. The Australian Government is supporting this vital sector of the economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Lowering business energy emissions is an essential component of securing Australia’s carbon-neutral future,” Mr Taylor said.  

“I look forward to seeing local businesses benefiting from the Government’s commitment to back business as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic.”  

Applications close on 18 February 2022 or earlier if funding is exhausted prior. 

More information, grant guidelines and application forms are available at www.business.gov.au/EECFB or telephone on 13 28 46.