Small and medium hotels across Australia are receiving financial support from the Government through the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program, helping them cut down their energy costs so that they can invest in their business more.
Through the Hotel Energy Uplift Program, over 440 hotels, motels and serviced apartment facilities have been awarded grants of up to $25,000 to undertake energy savings projects.
The grants from the Program will help lower the facilities’ energy bills by helping them upgrade to more energy-efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment. It will also help them improve their building through double glazing and insulation, carrying out energy audits or installing energy monitoring equipment.
With the grants provided by the Hotel Energy Uplift Program, hotel operators can save on energy costs and use the extra money to support the creation of new jobs for electricians, carpenters, engineers, and plumbers.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Australia’s hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the Australian Government is committed to helping local hotel operators get back on their feet.
“As we secure Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, backing businesses to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Minister Taylor said.
“These grants will help fund projects that will provide genuine and lasting energy savings that will reduce operating costs and have a positive flow-on effect for jobs and small businesses into the future.
Over 85 per cent of the grants awarded will go to hotels in regional or remote parts of Australia in order to provide a significant boost to the country’s regions. These grants will help tourist destinations as they welcome back visitors after COVID-19-related restrictions.
The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget. It is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs, reduce emissions and ensure access to reliable and affordable energy.
Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive grants under the program. The full list of successful applicants is available online.