Dean Ewington slams the power price hike across Tasmania

A Tasmanian fitness centre owner says his power bill is increasing by $60,000 a year and rising energy prices “will kill the economy”.

Jared Robinson Fitness Director at Oceana Aquatic and Fitness in Mornington. The business is set to be hit with a huge power bill increase in the new year with their pool area being their major power usage source. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Tasmanian fitness centre owner says his power bill is increasing by $60,000 a year and rising energy prices “will kill the economy”.

Dean Ewington, who has run Oceana Aquatic and Fitness for 26 years says the 50 per cent increase from $110,000 to $170,000 is the biggest hike he’s had, dwarfing a 15 per cent increase.

He blames the rise on the “idiots running the power grid” and says the federal government needs to slow down electricity reform.

“The increase is because we are tied to the national market and prices have gone through the roof,” Mr Ewington said.

“Why aren’t we being rewarded for having renewable Hydro power for the past 50, 60 or 70 years?

“It’s absurd. How can a business plan or budget when the market has gone berserk?

“I don’t get how we’re using renewable energy but we’re still being screwed over, it will kill the economy.”

Mr Ewington has increased prices from January 1 but will “still take a hit” and fears for others who are struggling.

Jared Robinson Fitness Director at Oceana Aquatic and Fitness in Mornington. The business is set to be hit with a huge power bill increase in the new year with their pool area being their major power usage source. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It’s not about me, it’s about pensioners and families who won’t be able to afford to use power to cook, it is unconscionable.”

Labor energy spokesman Dean Winter said Mr Ewington was not alone in facing a hefty bill increase.

“This is happening across the business community and it makes no sense, our dam levels are healthy, Hydro Tasmania’s generation costs haven’t risen substantially,” he said.

“Tasmanian businesses should be paying Tasmanian prices for Tasmanian power.”

Energy Minister Guy Barnett said the government was committed to putting downward pressure on prices.

“This year, the independent economic regulator reported that Tasmania continues to have amongst the lowest electricity prices in the nation, but we know there are cost of living pressures,” he said.

Labor's Dean Winter.

“That’s why we acted swiftly with our targeted Energy Assistance Package.

“In addition, the boosted and expanded $50m Energy Saver Loan Scheme has been enthusiastically received by households and small businesses, to help make their home or businesses more energy efficient, lowering their power bills.”

Mr Barnett said a new $50m loan scheme for commercial and industrial customers was also being developed.

Mr Winter said under Labor’s plan rebates would be available to eligible business customers like Oceania Health and Fitness.

“The rebates should also apply retrospectively to businesses who have already had to re-contract so far this year during this period of price volatility,” he said.

Mr Ewington said the federal government was moving too quickly on renewable energy.

“They won’t be able to get wind power and solar to replace coal that quickly.

“If we need to be part of the national electricity market it should not cost us more.”