CANBERRA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has committed 67 million Australian dollars (47.8 million U.S. dollars) for energy efficiency initiatives as it continues to build its renewable energy credentials.

Among the fund, the 50 million AUD (35.7 million USD) Energy Efficient Communities Program (EECP) will allow businesses to apply for grants of up to 25,000 AUD (17,861 USD) to upgrade their electrical equipment to improve their energy management.

A further 17 million AUD (12.14 million USD) will be spent on improving energy efficiency of commercial buildings and schools.

It marks the fourth major renewable project that the goverment has announced in a week, having previously committed 2 billion AUD (1.42 billion USD) to a direct action fund to tackle climate change, given the green light for an expansion of Australia's largest hydroelectric scheme and announced 86 million AUD (61.4 million USD) for a new hydro power project in Tasmania.

The announcements represent a significant shift towards renewables by the governing Liberal National Party coalition (LNP) with climate change set to be a key issue in May's general election.

Angus Taylor, the Minister for Energy, said that the efficiency measures announced on Thursday would cut energy bills and lower emissions.

"We know that businesses and community groups are struggling under the weight of high power prices," he told News Corp Australia.

"That's why we're taking strong steps to ensure they get the practical support that they need to reduce their energy use without reducing productivity." Enditem