Eligibility Criteria
Can I apply as a not-for-profit or charity organisation?
Yes.
I operate my business from home, can I apply?
No - you must occupy a commercial premises as an owner or tenant to be eligible for this rebate.
I use more than 50 megawatt hours or $15,000 or per annum in electricity – am I eligible?
No – this payment is designed for small businesses or charities that consume less than this amount of electricity every year.
Are any business types excluded from the grant?
Eligibility criteria apply. The following electricity account types are not eligible for the payment:
- an account held by a local government authority, council or entity created pursuant to the Local Government Act 1995 (WA).
- an account held by a Western Australian or Commonwealth Government statutory authority, trading enterprise, department, or agency.
- an account held by a telecommunication company that is, for example part of the corporate group of, Telstra, Vodafone, Optus or the National Broadband Network.
- an account held by an authorised deposit taking institution where the entity that is, for example part of the corporate group of, Westpac, Australian and New Zealand Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank or National Australia Bank.
- an account held by a major mining or resources operator, that is, for example part of the corporate group of - BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Chevron and Woodside.
- an account for temporary electricity supply for the purposes of constructing premises.
- an account where consumption at the premises was more than 50MWh or where this is not measured, be liable for more than $15,000 in the 12 months prior to 17 June 2024.
- an account where the SBDC reasonably expects consumption for the account to be more than 50MWh or where this is not measured, be liable for more than $15,000 prior to 17 June 2024.
- direct customers of Synergy and Horizon Energy.
Must I have incurred electricity costs for a full 12 months prior to 17 June 2024 to be eligible for the rebate?
No, the small business or charity must have incurred electricity costs on 17 June 2024.
Funding
What is the maximum amount I can claim under this grant?
The rebate is $725 (GST free).
What can I use the funding for?
While the payment is intended to relieve increased cost-of-living pressures for small businesses and charities, there are no requirements as to how your payment is used.
Will I have to pay tax on the rebate?
We recommend you seek independent advice about the tax implications of receiving this grant.
Supporting your application
What evidence will I need to provide to support my application?
- An unredacted (full and complete) PDF copy of your business bank statement for the period 1 April 2024 up to and including 17 June 2024, that clearly shows the BSB, account number, trading/business name and transactions relating to the main trading activities of the business.
- A copy of your rates notice or tenancy agreement.
- Evidence of a payment for electricity costs incurred on 17 June 2024 for example, an invoice issued by your landlord or the entity supplying your power.
How do I upload evidence in support of my application?
At the appropriate stage in the application process, you will be prompted to upload your document. Unless otherwise indicated, supporting evidence must be uploaded in PDF format. We may accept documents in JPG or PNG formats, however this is by exception.
Tip: It is highly recommended you do this from a desktop device and not a mobile phone if possible.
Why do I need to provide a PDF copy of my bank statement?
To assist in validating the eligibility of the application and protect the program from fraud, it is important we receive an unedited/unredacted PDF copy of your most recent business bank statement of the account into which the grant will be paid.
If I have previously received the Small Business and Charities Energy Bill Relief payment via the SBDC in 2023, do I need to provide all my information again?
If you were an eligible recipient of the $650 credit for the Small Business and Charities Energy Bill Relief payment via the SBDC last year, you may be eligible to apply for the new credit payment via a fast track process. You will be contacted directly via email if this is the case.
Application Processing
When do applications close?
Applications close at 4pm (AWST) on 31 January 2025.
How will I find out if my application is successful?
All applicants will be notified in writing via email of the outcome of an application as soon as practical.
How long will it take to receive the money if I’m successful?
You should receive payment within five business days after receipt of advice of a successful application.
Who do I contact with any queries regarding the application process?
If you have any queries about the application process please email grants@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.
What happens if I receive a grant but it is later discovered that my business was ineligible?
The grant is awarded based on the information you provide in your application. The WA Government will conduct audits of this information and reserves the right to recover any payments that did not meet the eligibility guidelines. If, when making an application for this grant you knowingly provide false or misleading information, create a document, impersonate a person or business with the intent to deceive the grant provider in order to obtain a benefit, this may constitute a fraud offence under the Criminal Code Act 1913 and be subject to criminal penalties.
