Program overview

On-Farm Energy Assessments analyse on-farm energy use (electricity, gas and diesel) and identify opportunities to make energy savings; improve output volumes per energy unit; and convert to renewable energy sources. The assessments will make recommendations tailored to the type and size of individual farms.

On-Farm Energy Assessments are conducted by registered independent experts to the national standard (AS/NZS 3598.2:2014). Type 1 and Type 2 Energy Assessments are available depending on the farm business’s energy expenditure.

Please note, applications for this program are closed.

What is an on-farm energy assessment?

Independent on-farm energy assessments are available free of charge to eligible primary producers.

The on-farm energy assessments will analyse on-farm energy use (electricity, gas and diesel) and identify opportunities to make energy savings, improve output volumes per energy unit, and convert to renewable energy sources. The assessments make recommendations tailored to the type and size of farms.

The on-farm energy assessments are conducted by registered independent experts to the national standard (AS/NZS 3598.2:2014). Type 1 and Type 2 energy assessments are available depending on on-farm energy expenditure.

On-farm energy assessments form part of the Victorian Government's Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (AEIP) and will identify what improvements need to be made on-farm.

Assessments provide the basis for tier 1 energy grants.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for an on-farm energy assessment farms must:

  • be a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • have an eligible farm located in Victoria
  • be a primary producer which is:
    • cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts (including seeds, spores, bulbs and similar things) in any physical environment; or
    • maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce (including natural increase); or
    • manufacturing dairy produce from raw material that they produce; or
    • operating on-land aquaculture facilities
  • spend more than $8,000 per annum (including GST) on energy on-farm inclusive of electricity, gas, LPG and diesel (excluding energy for transport)
  • be a legal entity
  • meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
  • agree to participate in future program evaluation activity.

Who is not eligible for an on-farm energy assessment?

  • primary producers engaged in forestry, on-sea aquaculture and agriculture transport operators
  • primary producers that have energy expenses below $8,000 (including GST)
  • commonwealth, state and local government agency or body
  • publicly funded research institutions
  • industry associations
  • not-for-profit organisations
  • community-based organisations.

What documentation will be required for the application?

Farmers will need to provide the following documentation when applying for an on-farm energy assessment:

  • your ABN
  • copies of energy bills for at least one quarter that most represents the average energy consumption and expenses on-farm in the 12 months prior to lodging your application
  • for diesel expenses, information about usage and expenses that only relate to diesel-powered equipment used on-farm. When the application is being assessed, farmers may be contacted by Agriculture Victoria to provide further records that demonstrate usage and expenses.

What are multiple farm/site assessments?

A group of farmers can apply to have a group assessment to identify opportunities for large shared investments which create benefits for multiple farmers and/or the broader community. All farmers participating in the joint assessment will need to complete the application by providing information about their farm. The farmers will also need to include the business name and ABN of the other farmers in the joint application. If an assessor identifies an opportunity for a farm to collaborate with nearby farms, Agriculture Victoria will contact the identified farms and facilitate a discussion to enable farmers to make an informed decision on opportunities to collaborate.

How do I apply?

Please note applications for this program are now closed.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or have a question about the application process or the AEIP, please contact Agriculture Victoria at agenergy@ecodev.vic.gov.au.