Power bill help for Lismore employers

THE New South Wales Government has funded Southern Cross University and Norco with more than $140,000 to reduce their energy bills by up to 15 per cent.

The two employers were awarded funding through the Metering Plan Implementation Grant, which apportioned $41,250 to Norco Co-operative Limited and $100,000 to Southern Cross University.

NSW Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin, the funding would help two of Lismore’s biggest employers use electricity more efficiently.

“This is good news for local jobs and local employers in Lismore, and these grants are a great example of the Minns Labor Government supporting our local economy while also taking real and practical action to tackle climate change,” Saffin said.

Funding will support Norco’s Lismore factory in installing meters, sensors, and communications infrastructure to monitor energy use in its manufacturing equipment and provide accurate energy data throughout the site.

The improved tracking and management will assist Norco in reducing its energy bills, using energy more efficiently, and making its operations more sustainable.

The grant helps businesses and other enterprises install the technology they need to refine their energy use and help reduce costs by 5 to 15 per cent. Businesses can use this data to reduce energy consumption and save on bills.

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said the funding empowered businesses to understand and manage their energy consumption.

“We are not only helping them reduce costs but also contributing to our broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” Sharpe said.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of NSW businesses and our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program, which supports businesses in adopting practical, cost-effective solutions to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Businesses receiving grants represent various sectors, including food production, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, private healthcare, education, and sports.

The complete list of businesses that are being supported in reducing energy use is available online.

For more information visit energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/supporting-your-business-decarbonise