Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) Rebates

The Queensland Business Energy Savings and Transformation Rebates scheme encourages eligible small and medium businesses to install energy-efficient equipment.

This equipment must help to lower your business’s energy consumption and costs, while also contributing to carbon reduction targets as set by the Queensland Government. The program opened in October 2023 and is set to close on 30 June 2025, or when funding is exhausted.

Keep reading to find out how your company can benefit from QBEST funding by upgrading to energy-efficient technologies, while also contributing to the Queensland greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 75% by 2035.

What Funding is Available Through the QBEST Rebates Scheme?

To help businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, rebates of up to $12,500 are offered by the QBEST Rebates scheme to cover the cost of purchasing energy-efficient equipment. Each successful applicant is eligible to claim one rebate, which can include multiple pieces of energy-efficient equipment.

Exclusive of GST (Goods and Services Tax), businesses must spend at least $8,000 on the purchase and installation of these energy-efficient technologies to be eligible for a 50% rebate.

For instance, spending $10,000 to upgrade inefficient equipment would allow a company to claim 50% of the GST-exclusive amount, which is $9,090.90, therefore providing a rebate of $4,545.45.

Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation Eligibility Requirements

There are two distinct sections that businesses must comply with to improve energy efficiency through the QBEST scheme, which includes the following criteria:

Eligible Businesses

To access the energy efficiency grants provided by the QBEST scheme, already-established small and medium businesses must:

• Employ 2 to 199 full-time workers, including the business owner
• Be registered for GST
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Have headquarters located in and operating from premises in Queensland
• Not be a public company
• Not be using the rebate to purchase equipment for a business that hasn’t yet started operating
• Not have received funding from a previous round of the scheme
• Not be receiving any other local, state, or Australian Government funding or financial assistance

Eligible Equipment

Before purchasing any energy-efficient appliances or systems, it’s crucial to check that they are eligible for the scheme. Equipment must have been purchased in full on or after 5 October 2023, and you should have a receipt to show that the payment has been made in full.

To make the most of these energy efficiency opportunities, any of the following pieces of equipment must have a 4-star energy rating or higher:

• Clothes washer or dryer
• Dishwasher
• Commercial refrigerator or freezer
• Television
• Pool pump
• Computer monitor
• Air conditioning system
• Motion or light level sensor
• LED energy-efficient lights
• Heat pump hot water system (if replacing an electric or gas storage system)
• Electric-boosted solar hot water system
• Electronically-commutated fan motor
• Variable-speed air compressor, chiller, or drive unit

How to Apply for the QBEST Rebates Scheme

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

The first thing that you’ll need to do is check that your business meets the criteria required to be eligible for the QBEST Rebates scheme.

You can then begin looking at equipment that will enhance your business’s energy efficiency practices, ensuring that it falls into the eligible equipment category.

2. Purchase and Install Energy Efficient Equipment

Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you can then start to purchase equipment to minimise your business’s energy use and electricity costs.

Keep a record of the purchase, including the name, address, and ABN of the business that issues the receipt, along with the date, plus a clear description and itemisation of all items.

You’ll also need to retain evidence of the installation date, including the name and licence number of the contractor, and a description of the equipment that was replaced if applicable.

3. Calculate Your Energy Savings

The final stage involves demonstrating how the eligible equipment you’ve purchased will help to reduce your business’s energy use and electricity costs. While there is no minimum savings amount, as even small improvements in energy efficiency can help, you’ll need to show how your changes are contributing to the Queensland Government’s carbon reduction targets.

To do this, use the dedicated energy rebate and savings calculator and remember to keep a copy of the estimated savings results. You can then apply for the energy efficiency rebate online.

Improve Energy Efficiency with Reliable Electrical Installation

As part of the eligible equipment criteria for the Queensland Business Energy Saving Rebates scheme, all systems and appliances must be installed by a licensed contractor.

At Volteam, we’re fully licensed and insured to install renewable, energy-saving electrical systems that will help your business or commercial property considerably lower its energy costs. Our coverage is more extensive than ever, servicing homeowners and businesses in Petrie, Browns Plains, Caboolture, and more.

Our expert technicians have nearly two decades of experience in installing and maintaining everything from solar power systems to electric vehicle charging stations, with Clean Energy Council certification to demonstrate our performance standards.

Call our commercial installation team today at 1300 865 832 or request a quote online for more advice on buying and installing energy-saving products that are eligible for the QBEST Rebates scheme.

FAQs

What is the Energy Efficiency Rebate in Queensland?

The Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) Rebates scheme offers funding to help eligible small and medium-sized businesses purchase and install new equipment. The aim is to improve their energy efficiency and lower the number of greenhouse gases produced with a 50% rebate of up to $12,500 for eligible equipment.

Who is Eligible for the QBEST Rebates Scheme?

To claim energy efficiency grants from the QBEST scheme, small and medium businesses must have at least 2, but no more than 199, full-time employees. They must also hold an Australian Business Number, be registered for GST, and have headquarters in Queensland. Eligible businesses must not be a public company or be receiving any other government funding.

What Type of Equipment Can I Purchase with QBEST Rebates Funding?

Eligible equipment includes purchases made in full on or after 5 October 2023, with a valid receipt for both the purchase and installation. Appliances and systems should have a 4-star energy rating or better, and can include air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, pool pumps, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, heat pump hot water systems, and more.

How Do I Apply for the Energy Efficiency Rebate?

Before applying, you’ll need to confirm that you are an eligible business. You should also research eligible energy-efficient equipment and keep the receipt as evidence after purchasing and installing. Check your potential energy savings using the online calculator, then apply for the rebate via the Queensland Government website.