The Queensland government is expanding its appliance cashback scheme to small and medium sized businesses under a new program.

The $16 million Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST) program will target the state’s more than 450,000 small-to-medium businesses, helping them to save money off power bills.

QBEST is promoted as a key component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, launched one year ago.

The Queensland government will now rebate businesses up to 50% of the cost of installing new energy efficient equipment.

Eligible businesses will be able to claim up to $12,500 cash back and must spend a minimum of $8000 (GST exclusive) to receive the minimum rebate of $4000.

The program is part of a $35 million initiative dedicated to helping Queensland businesses lower energy usage and costs, with the first program, QBEST Ag, announced in August.

Energy-efficient equipment eligible for the rebate includes:

• Eligible consumer appliances – 4-star energy rating or better
• Energy efficient commercial refrigerator or freezer (eg, walk-in refrigerator, refrigerated display case, refrigerated vending machine)
• An electronically commutated fan motor if the installation is to replace another type of fan motor
• LED lighting
• Amotion sensor, light level sensor or timer for lighting appliance
• Amotor classified in the IE3 or IE4 category under the IEC standard, if the installation is to replace the EI1 or EI2 category under this standard
• A variable-speed air compressor
• A variable-speed chiller if the installation is to replace a fixed-drive chiller
• A variable-speed drive unit for a pump or fan

Full eligibility requirements can be found on the DEPW website.