The WA Small Business Energy Bill Relief Program represent a joint effort by the Commonwealth and state governments, aiming to alleviate the strain of rising living costs. This initiative is a key part of the Australian Government’s strategy, offering specific relief for small businesses and charities in Western Australia facing steep energy bills. It’s a thoughtful and timely intervention, designed to offer a financial cushion in challenging economic times. We’ll explore the nuances and benefits of this initiative further in this blog.

About the Energy Price Relief Rebates

These rebates aim to provide financial respite from the soaring costs of electricity bills. Notably, if your business is a direct customer of Synergy or Horizon Power and is not part of an embedded network, your relief will be applied as credits directly to your electricity bills.

For those operating within embedded networks, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is at the forefront, administering and delivering the Small Business and Charities Energy Bill Relief program. Eligible small businesses and charitable organisations within these networks can expect a direct payment of $650 GST-Free into their bank accounts.

What are Embedded Networks?

Embedded networks are typically found in infrastructures like shopping centers, airports, ports, and industrial parks. If your business operates under a sub-meter linked to a master meter controlled by the landlord, or if you’re a tenant whose landlord resells electricity to you, your business is considered to be part of an embedded network.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure you meet the requirements, we’ve detailed the conditions below. Carefully reviewing and fulfilling these will position your application for success:

1. Active ABN

You should have held a valid and active ABN as a small business or charity on 9 May 2023 and continuously during the period covered by your application.

2. Electricity Consumption or Costs

Your operation should either consume less than 50 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year or, if not measured, you should be liable for less than $15,000 in annual electricity costs.

3. Electricity Costs Incurrence

You must have been incurring electricity costs as of 9 May 2023.

4. Embedded Network or Specific Tariff Classes

If you are not part of an embedded network, you should fall within one of the following electricity retail tariff classes:

• C1 or C2: Special community service tariff for small voluntary/charitable organisations.
• D1 or D2: Special tariff for certain premises wholly used by charitable or benevolent organisations for residential accommodation.
• L1 or L2: General supply tariff for low/medium voltage.
• R1 or R2: Time of use tariff for low/medium voltage.

5. Commercial Premises Occupation

You must occupy a commercial premise as either an owner or a tenant.

6. Non-Direct Billing

You should not be directly billed by Synergy or Horizon Power.

7. Embedded Network/Submetering

You must be receiving power via an embedded network or a submetering arrangement.

8. Required Documentation

You need to provide an unredacted PDF copy of your business bank statement showing transactions from 2023, displaying a BSB, an account number, and the business name associated with the application.

9. Agreement to Terms and Conditions

You must agree to the program’s terms and conditions.

Application Deadline

4:00 pm, 31 March 2024

How to Apply for The Relief

Apply online through Small Business and Charities Energy Bill Relief website. For more detailed information and comprehensive guidelines, be sure to visit the official SBDC website. 

At MKG Partners, we’re here to help you navigate the various small business grants in Western Australia. Our accountant is committed to providing guidance, ensuring you understand and can take full advantage of the financial support options available to your business.