250% surge in power prices spurs $1 million solar solution

GLEN and Keith Dobinson are screaming out against the crippling cost of electricity, but feel their objections are falling on the ears of the “powers that be”.

Keith Dobinson and his brother Glen unveil the first of 2000 solar panels to be installed over the coming month to help the business get off the grid. Picture: Amber Hooker

GLEN and Keith Dobinson are screaming out against the crippling cost of electricity, but feel their objections are falling on the deaf ears of the "powers that be".

Outraged over the "savage" 13.2% jump in the cost of electricity to run their Rockhampton-based business, the Dobinsons Springs and Suspension owners have endured a 247% and 269% electricity price hike on their tariffs over the past decade.

The figures were outlined in the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) regulated retail electricity prices for 2016-17 and Glen said without taking matters into his own hands, he feels there is "no end in sight".

FAMILY BUSINESS: Nick, Glen and Keith Dobinson are fighting against the increasing electricity prices crippling their Rockhampton business.Photo Amber Hooker / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Amber Hooker

"We have been screwed over and have no other choice but to go to solar," Glen said.

"It's going to provide only about one third to one half of our electricity.

"Why should a bloke have to spend over one million bucks? And I can produce power cheaper than Ergon; this will produce electricity for 12-something cents per kilowatt.

"So our dream is and our goal is in 2020 I want to be disconnected from the grid, I want to be stand alone.

"We can't do that with solar panels alone, this is just stage one," Keith added.

Stage two and three involve more solar panels, four to five semi-trailer sized batteries and large diesel generators to get the business completely off the grid.

Nick Dobinson manufactures a coil spring, the core business of the family-run Dobinsons business.Photo Amber Hooker / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Amber Hooker

"Who wants to pay $175,000 (per annum) for something you don't even use?" Glen asked.

The second-generation Dobinsons Springs owners said since their father first opened the doors in 1953, they feel things are heading in the wrong direction to encourage Australian businesses to remain competitive and employ Australian workers.

The company now distributes to 40 countries worldwide, but Glen said with the cost of manufacturing springs edging ever-closer to the wholesale price, other elements of the four-pronged business are subsidising what was once their core business.

"You have got your hands tied behind your back and the State Government is sticking a knife in your back," he said.

Mr Dobinson has lodged his objections to the QCA and regularly attends QCA meetings as far up as Mackay and recently went down to Bundaberg for a Productivity Commission meeting.

Originally published as 250% surge in power prices spurs $1 million solar solution