Bills, tariffs & interval data
Costs, demand patterns, out-of-hours use and tariff suitability
PowerSmart Energy Audits
From $1,000 + GST
Independent, engineering-led energy-efficiency audits for Tasmanian small businesses.
Eligible businesses may be able to receive up to $1,000 towards the cost of an independent audit through the PowerSmart for Small Business program.
Applications are currently scheduled to close 30 June 2028, subject to funding and program changes.
We show where energy is being used, what is driving costs and which improvements are worth prioritising before money is committed to equipment.
A straightforward audit may be available for $1,000 + GST. More detailed or multi-meter work is quoted separately. Travel fees apply outside Greater Hobart.
For broader business, club or community advice, see Business & Community Advice.
What We Assess
Find the energy costs and improvement opportunities that matter most.
PowerSmart for Small Business is a Tasmanian Government reimbursement program. Eligible small businesses may receive up to $1,000 toward an independent energy-efficiency audit.
Each audit is tailored to the site and its operations. Businesses can choose their own auditor and, where appropriate, submit a proposed scope for pre-approval before commissioning the work.
Heating, cooling & ventilation
System condition, controls, operating practices and replacement opportunities
Lighting & controls
Lighting efficiency, operating hours, zoning, sensors and schedules
Hot water
Demand, system efficiency, controls, losses and replacement options
Refrigeration & equipment
Major appliances, motors, pumps, compressors, process loads and operating patterns
Solar & batteries
Existing-system performance, self-consumption, load alignment and future suitability
Building fabric
Insulation, draughts, glazing, shading and other factors affecting conditioned spaces
Operations & load shifting
Controls, maintenance, staff practices and opportunities to move demand to lower-cost periods
Initial Eligibility Check
Could your business qualify?
Use this checklist as an initial guide. It does not confirm eligibility or replace the current PowerSmart guidelines.
Tick each point that applies. The result will appear here.
The nominated FTE number should exclude business owners.
Only one application per ABN and/or business operation is allowed under this program.
The current guidelines exclude government entities and unincorporated associations. Clubs, charities and other not-for-profits can have extra conditions, including paid staff or trading income. The program administrator decides.
Read the current PowerSmart eligibility and guidelines (opens in a new tab)
Audit Scope & Pricing
A scope matched to the site, not a one-size-fits-all report
We begin with a short review of the business and its energy information, then provide a written scope and quote. Where appropriate, that scope can be submitted to PowerSmart for pre-approval before the audit proceeds.
Targeted audit
From $1,000 + GST
For a straightforward, single-site operation with good billing information and a limited number of major energy uses.
Typical scope
- electricity-bill and tariff review;
- available interval-data review;
- site inspection and operational discussion;
- review of major energy-using equipment;
- prioritised energy-saving opportunities;
- indicative savings and simple payback where supported by the available data;
- written audit report; and
- post-report discussion.
Detailed audit
Typically from $2,000 + GST
For businesses with several major energy systems, longer operating hours, more complex tariffs or a need for broader option analysis.
Typical additions
- deeper interval-data analysis;
- more detailed end-use assessment;
- comparison of operational and equipment options;
- broader cost, savings and payback estimates; and
- more detailed implementation priorities.
Complex or multi-meter audit
From $3,000 + GST
For larger or more complex premises, multiple meters, specialised equipment, higher energy use or more detailed modelling and business-case requirements.
Typical additions
- multiple data sources or meters;
- complex plant or process loads;
- staged project options;
- electrical-capacity or implementation dependencies; and
- detailed business-case or funding inputs by agreement.
The PowerSmart grant reimburses up to $1,000, not the full audit cost automatically. Any amount above the approved grant, together with GST or other amounts not covered under the current guidelines, remains the client’s responsibility. Final scope and pricing are confirmed before work begins.
What You Receive
Clear evidence for better energy and investment decisions.
The final report brings together the site inspection, business operations and available energy information.
For a PowerSmart application, the current guidelines call for a prioritised table of opportunities. That table sets out implementation cost, estimated annual savings in dollars and kilowatt-hours, and simple payback. Where the available data cannot support those figures, the limitation is stated and the proposed scope can be checked with the program before the work is commissioned.
Depending on the agreed scope, the report may also include:
- an energy-use and cost baseline;
- key consumption, demand and tariff drivers;
- observations about major equipment and operating controls;
- practical no-cost and low-cost actions;
- prioritised energy-efficiency opportunities;
- indicative implementation costs;
- estimated annual energy and cost savings where supported by the available data;
- simple payback periods where appropriate;
- recommended sequencing and dependencies;
- clearly stated assumptions and limitations; and
- practical next steps.
A post-report discussion is included so the findings, priorities and recommended next steps can be clarified.
You will also receive an itemised invoice and the agreed audit report for use in a PowerSmart reimbursement application. Tasman Energy Advisory provides the audit documents; the program administrator decides whether an application and expenditure satisfy the grant requirements.
How It Works
A clear process, from first conversation to practical next steps.
Every engagement is shaped around the property or project, but the approach remains straightforward.
1.
Check the program
Review the current PowerSmart guidelines and complete the initial eligibility check. Contact the program directly if any part of your eligibility is uncertain.
2.
Tell us about the business
Provide basic information about the premises, operating hours, major equipment and approximate energy costs. We will identify the most suitable level of assessment.
3.
Receive a scope and quote
We will provide a written audit scope, fee and information request. You can submit the proposed scope through SmartyGrants for pre-approval before commissioning the work.
4.
Complete the audit
The audit may include bills, tariffs, interval data, an on-site assessment and analysis. You receive a prioritised report and post-report discussion. After the audit is completed and paid for, the business submits the required evidence to PowerSmart. Approval remains subject to the program’s assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PowerSmart for Small Business pay for an energy audit in Tasmania?
Yes, as a reimbursement, not as a free audit. Eligible Tasmanian small businesses may receive up to $1,000 towards an independent PowerSmart energy-efficiency audit.
The business typically commissions and pays for the audit, then claims the grant. Eligibility, audit requirements and application conditions apply. Tasman Energy Advisory can deliver a qualifying independent audit and help prepare the application.
What is the PowerSmart for Small Business program?
PowerSmart for Small Business is a Tasmanian Government program offering eligible small businesses reimbursement of up to $1,000 for an independent energy-efficiency audit. Current eligibility, audit, payment and evidence requirements apply.
What types of businesses can you assess?
PowerSmart eligibility is based on the applicant and program requirements, not the industry alone. Subject to eligibility and an agreed scope, Tasman Energy Advisory can assess cafés, restaurants and small hospitality venues; accommodation and tourism businesses; offices and professional services; retail stores and showrooms; medical, dental and allied-health practices; workshops and small manufacturing operations; agricultural and rural businesses; warehouses and service businesses; and clubs, not-for-profits and community organisations where the current extra conditions are met. The current guidelines exclude government entities and unincorporated associations.
Is a PowerSmart energy audit free?
No. PowerSmart is a reimbursement program offering up to $1,000 to eligible applicants. The business commissions and pays for the audit, then applies for reimbursement using the required evidence. Any audit cost above the approved grant, and any GST or other amount not covered under the guidelines, remains the client’s responsibility.
How much can my business receive?
The program offers reimbursement of up to $1,000 for an eligible independent energy-efficiency audit. The amount ultimately approved is determined by the program administrator under the current guidelines.
Do I need to use an approved energy-audit provider?
The official program information states that businesses can choose their own energy auditor and that no accredited provider list is required. The audit must still be independent and meet the current program requirements. Tasman Energy Advisory is an independent service provider and is not endorsed or appointed by the Tasmanian Government.
Should I seek pre-approval before booking the audit?
Pre-approval is a sensible way to obtain greater certainty before proceeding. PowerSmart allows a proposed audit scope and quote to be submitted for consideration. Tasman Energy Advisory can prepare those documents, but the client is responsible for submitting the application and receiving approval unless separate assistance is agreed.
What information should I provide for the audit?
Useful information generally includes approximately 12 months of electricity bills, the current tariff, NEM12 or other interval data where available, operating hours, equipment details, solar or battery monitoring exports, planned upgrades and any previous energy reports or proposals. The exact information request will be confirmed in the audit scope.
Can the audit cost more than the $1,000 grant?
Yes. A straightforward audit may be available for $1,000 + GST, while more detailed or complex audits generally cost more. PowerSmart’s maximum reimbursement remains up to $1,000, subject to approval. We will confirm the full fee before the work begins.
Does the grant cover GST?
GST treatment can depend on the current program rules and the applicant’s GST status. Our quote and invoice will identify GST separately. Confirm the amount you may claim with the PowerSmart program or your accountant before proceeding.
Is this an AS/NZS 3598 energy audit?
Not automatically. The standard PowerSmart service is an independent, engineering-led energy-efficiency audit prepared to the agreed scope. If a formal audit to a specific standard or level is required, that requirement must be confirmed and quoted before work begins.
Does Tasman Energy Advisory submit the grant application?
The standard service provides the proposed audit scope, quote, completed report and invoice. The business remains responsible for its PowerSmart application, declarations and reimbursement claim. Additional application support can be discussed separately where appropriate.
Where are PowerSmart audits available?
Tasman Energy Advisory is based in Hobart and provides business energy audits across Greater Hobart and elsewhere in Tasmania by arrangement. Travel fees may apply outside Greater Hobart and will be confirmed in the quote.
PowerSmart for Small Business is administered by the Tasmanian Government. Tasman Energy Advisory is an independent energy-advisory business and is not the grant administrator or a government-endorsed provider. Program rules can change. Official program information (opens in a new tab) · Application portal (opens in a new tab) . Information last checked 16 September 2026.
What people are saying
“Jarred inspected our property, discussed our needs and followed his visit with an excellent written report. The report described measures we could take to improve energy efficiency, split by initial cost and prioritised by cost-effectiveness.”
— Janet
“His report is well set out … and we found it easy to understand and actionable. Highly recommended.”
— Phil