Small businesses across Newcastle are being invited to attend an online session aimed at reducing energy bills and improving day-to-day operations.
Hosted by the City of Newcastle, the Go Electric Newcastle: Cut Business Energy Costs webinar will run on 22 April from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, with delivery led by energy advisory group ZapCat.
The session is positioned as a practical guide for businesses looking to manage energy use, with a focus on clear steps rather than high-level concepts.
What the session will cover
The webinar will step through a range of energy-related decisions that directly affect operating costs for small businesses.
Topics include how Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions apply in a business setting, along with options for solar and battery systems suited to commercial premises. The session will also address electric vehicles and charging considerations for business fleets and staff.
Electrification measures form a core part of the discussion, including heat pump hot water systems, induction cooking and reverse-cycle air conditioning, alongside lower-cost upgrades such as insulation and draught proofing to improve thermal comfort.
Energy pricing will also be covered, with guidance on reviewing plans and tariffs, and understanding when GreenPower may be appropriate. Available government rebates and incentives will be outlined to help reduce upfront costs.
Funded consultations for local businesses
As part of the program, the City of Newcastle is funding 30 free energy consultations for attendees, delivered by ZapCat.
These consultations are intended to provide more tailored advice following the session, particularly for businesses seeking to act on the opportunities discussed.
While the webinar will include time for general questions, more detailed or business-specific advice will be directed to these one-on-one sessions.
Delivery and approach
ZapCat, which describes itself as a certified social enterprise, delivers advisory services across households, strata and small business, with a focus on electrification and reducing energy costs.
Its model includes virtual consultations, independent advice, and connections to vetted installers, alongside tools that provide upfront estimates on costs, savings and available rebates.
For Newcastle businesses, the April 22 webinar represents a defined entry point into energy decision-making, with follow-up support available for those ready to move from general information to project-specific planning.
