More than 130 local small businesses have taken advantage of advice and rebates offered by the ACT Government to improve their energy and water efficiency, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell announced on 2 August 2013.

"After only a year of operation, the ACTSmart Business Energy and Water program has recently signed up its 138th business, which is a remarkable achievement," Mr Corbell said.

"A wide range of businesses have received assessments and access to rebates of up to $5000 to help them replace fittings and fixtures with more efficient options."

An experienced assessor visits the business to gain an understanding of its operations and challenges, and provides a report outlining energy use within the business and a range of recommendations that the business owner may consider.

The owner of the Cook Friendly Grocer has halved the amount of power required to light the building through accessing the ACTSmart Business Energy and Water program.

In April 2013, the owner took up a $5,000 rebate to help cover the cost of replacing 160 lights with energy efficient LED lighting.

The owner also received advice on other ways to reduce power use in the building, and has achieved further savings through simple actions such as changing the thermostat settings on fridges and educating his staff.

"The owner says since accessing the ACTSmart program, he's been able to save $1000 per month on power bills," Mr Corbell said.

"I encourage all small businesses around Canberra to contact the ACTSmart team to see if the program can help them reduce their carbon footprint and their power and water bills".

"Helping small businesses cut their green house gas emissions, and their operating costs, is one way the ACT Government is working to make Canberra a carbon neutral city by 2060."

To find out more visit the ACT Government's ACTSmart website .

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