More than a thousand Tasmanian businesses facing big power price increases
Government needs to better explain what assistance is available
Energy Matthew Groom needs to explain exactly what his Government is doing to guarantee big power price increases for businesses do not cost jobs across the state.
Shadow Energy Minister Scott Bacon said the magnitude of the price increases is starting to sink in for many Tasmanian businesses.
“Across Tasmania, businesses are shocked by the level of power bill increases they are facing,” Mr Bacon said.
“The Government needs to be clear about exactly what it’s doing to assists businesses who feel under enormous pressure.”
Energy expert Marc White explained the situation to Leon Compton on ABC radio this morning.
“Virtually every customer we are dealing with, who doesn’t have access to those tariffs, is facing around a doubling of their energy contract price.”
Marc White said more than a thousand businesses across Tasmania are affected.
“Hotels, private schools, manufacturers, councils – you name it, they’re all affected by these price rises.”
“While Hydro has announced it will cap the wholesale price for large Tasmanian businesses, bills are set to go up significantly in real terms,” Mr Bacon said.
“What modelling has the Government done to predict the effect these price spikes will have on the economy?
“In Budget Estimates, the Minister was unable to answer basic questions about his government’s “relief package”.
“Businesses who have signed new contracts are unaware of when relief will come and how much they will receive.
“Labor’s concerned the relief package will be too little too late.
“We need less spin and better communication from Energy Minister Matthew Groom.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Minister for Energy
