Help is on the way for hardworking Australian businesses to identify ways to reduce their energy usage and get a better, fairer deal on their energy costs.

The Government understands the impact high energy costs are having on small businesses.

On average, small businesses could save more than $1,000 per year by switching energy providers, however small business owners are often poor in time and financial resources, instead focussing their time and money on their core business.

The Australian Government's Business Energy Advice Program will deliver practical advice to help small businesses get better energy deals and increase energy efficiency.

Applications for the energy advisory service element of the $11.6 million program opens today and organisations interested in being a roll-out partner are invited to apply. Applications close on 4 March 2019. This concierge-style service is aimed at helping small businesses identify, manage and reduce their energy costs.

The Government is also supporting the development of an online energy benchmarking tool specifically for businesses to compare their energy use and costs against similar businesses.

The Government is committed to lower power prices and backing small businesses so they can take advantage of new opportunities and employ more people. Our plan includes:

• A price safety net to stop big power companies ripping off loyal customers who don't have time to shop around for a better deal - that means savings of up to $3,457 for small businesses.
• Stopping price gouging by the big energy companies, including banning sneaky late payment penalties and making energy retailers pass on savings in wholesale prices to customers.
• Backing 24/7 reliable power by underwriting new electricity generation. This will attract investment in the electricity market, improve competition, increase supply and reduce wholesale prices.
• Supporting reliable power by requiring energy companies to sign contracts guaranteeing enough energy to meet demand.

The Business Energy Advice Program responds to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's 2018 recommendation to help small businesses make better informed energy choices.

The Business Energy Advice Program was announced in the 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. For further information visit www.tenders.gov.au