A crucial roundtable will explore how the nation’s small businesses can best meet the challenges of the energy transition.
Energy Consumers Australia’s roundtable on Friday will see small business peak body representatives from across Australia, as well as the Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman and the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman convene in Sydney to discuss energy issues and their effect on small businesses.
“Australia’s 2.6 million small businesses have a major role to play in the energy transition and their voices must be heard,” Energy Consumers Australia Chair Dr Michael Schaper said. “This important event will let them have their say and explore how they can receive tailored advice and help for their diverse and distinct needs.
“As the national voice for household and small business energy consumers, Energy Consumers Australia knows it is essential that the views of small businesses are heard. We are delighted to be hosting this event with the Hon Josh Wilson MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, which will enable small businesses to talk directly to government about the issues they face and the solutions they want to see.”
Topics for discussion at the roundtable include identifying businesses that need the most help and support, how best to engage them, and evaluating current and future needs and challenges. The discussion will also turn to how best small businesses’ voices can be amplified to governments and policymakers.
“There is interest and appetite among small businesses to understand and be able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the energy transition,” Dr Schaper said. “Our Consumer Energy Report Card shows half of small businesses want an active relationship with Australia’s electricity system.
“However, our research shows that only about a third of small business owners feel confident that Australia has a well-planned approach to managing the transition, and only 24% agree that the impacts of the energy transition on businesses have been clearly explained to them.
“Small businesses are innovative, but many are also constrained in their efforts to make the changes required. Getting the right settings in place now and the right information for small businesses can set Australia up for a positive future, which is why this event is so important.”
You can view Energy Consumers Australia’s current and previous Consumer Energy Report Card research here.
