NSW businesses are being urged to take advantage of the NSW LED Light Upgrade scheme, a government-backed initiative designed to slash energy costs.
The scheme is part of the broader Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and helps make the switch to energy-efficient lighting affordable and straightforward.
It is specifically designed to help commercial spaces reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, without hefty upfront costs.
The program is open to a wide range of commercial spaces, from boutique retail stores and corporate offices to underground car parks and industrial warehouses.
In some cases, eligible businesses have reportedly received rebates of up to $20,000, making the transition to LED lighting not only cost-effective but also financially compelling.
The scheme has a list of accredited providers authorised to install the upgrades. They manage assessments, guide product choices and deliver installation.
Efficient Energy Group (EEG) is one such accredited provider. EEG’s chief executive officer Josh Liptak says lighting upgrades are one of the simplest and most impactful ways for businesses to reduce overheads, with businesses of varying sizes eligible for the upgrade.
“We’ve seen clients cut lighting costs by up to 70 percent. For small businesses using less than 273kWh per day, the program offers a $33 co-payment LED upgrade. This is delivered through the Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit (HEER) stream. That means cafés, retail shops, and office spaces can replace outdated fluorescent or halogen lighting with high-performance LED systems. All for a fraction of the usual cost,” Liptak says.
“Larger energy users aren’t left out either. Rebates for these businesses can cover up to 80 percent of installation costs, depending on the size and scope of the upgrade.”
To get started, EEG conducts a free site assessment, recommends suitable LED upgrades and manages the rebate application on behalf of the business.
According to energy.gov.au, LEDs use approximately 75 percent less energy than halogen light bulbs and last five to 10 times longer, thereby reducing replacement maintenance costs.
Beyond compelling financial motivations to act, there are other considerations for businesses to consider when deciding to make the jump, including employee wellbeing and environmental benefits.
Poor lighting is often linked to fatigue, eyestrain and reduced productivity. LED lighting offers a cleaner, brighter and more consistent light source, improving customer experience and employee well-being.
As for the environmental benefits, the Consumer Policy Research Centre reports that an increasing number of Australians are considering sustainability when they buy products. The report finds that 45 percent of Australians always or often consider sustainability as part of their purchasing decision-making.
Switching to LED technology would also further NSW’s climate targets, including a 70 percent reduction in emissions by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
Apart from NSW, other states offer similar lighting incentives to businesses. The Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme provides discounts and rebates on energy-efficient equipment (lighting, heating/cooling, refrigeration, etc.) via accredited providers.
In the Northern Territory, the Smarter Business Solutions program delivers advice and up to $20,000 funding for energy-, water- and waste-efficiency improvements, especially for Indigenous enterprises and not-for-profits.
Similarly, South Australia’s Business Sustainability Program & Sustainability Incentives provides access to funding and assistance to improve resource efficiency and waste reduction for small- to medium-sized businesses.
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