News

small business | February 22, 2018

Halls Gap Hotel hit with 64% increase in power costs

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP continues to receive reports of local businesses struggling to manage skyrocketing power prices.

The Halls Gap Hotel is the latest to contact Ms Kealy to report a 64% increase in their monthly power bill.

The Halls Gap Hotel’s contract with their power provider expired on 31 December 2017. After contacting numerous energy providers and obtaining quotes, the hotel signed up for a new two-year contract with the same provider who was once again offering the cheapest rate, but at a significantly higher price than their previous contract.

The hotel has now received its first power bill under the new contract, which showed an increase of 64% or $1,600 per month compared to their previous contract.

Ms Kealy raised concerns in Parliament late last year saying businesses and households were regularly contacting her office to raise concerns about the impact of rising power bills.

“This significant price rise is impacting on the hotels ability to employ staff and the owners believe they will have to reduce the hours of some of their casual employees to try and cover the cost of this incredible increase,” Ms Kealy said.

“Labor’s reckless policies that led to the closure of Hazelwood power station means power prices are going through the roof and local jobs and businesses are now at risk.

“Daniel Andrews needs to act immediately on energy prices instead of pointing the finger and hoping the Federal Government will fix his energy affordability mess.

"I will continue to actively pursue this important matter to ensure that fair energy prices are offered to local residents and businesses," she said.