HORSHAM Returned Services League branch president Robert Lockwood believes an massive increase to electricity prices is making it difficult for the venue to survive.
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Mr Lockwood, along with Horsham RSL Club general manager Anthony Brook, met with Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and opposition veterans spokesman Tim McCurdy to discuss rising power prices.
“We are really struggling – electricity prices have gone through the roof and we have taken a bgt hit,” he said.
“The difficult thing is that we have to keep the poker machines running all the time.
“This is certainly hurting us and being a not for profit organisation makes it even more difficult.”
Ms Kealy said in August last year, the Horsham RSL used about 31,000 kilowatts of electricity, which cost $5500.98.
She said in August this year, the venue used about 29,000 kilowatts, which cost $8359.04.
“Despite power saving initiatives and the Horsham RSL reducing their energy use, they have still experienced a $2858.06 increase, which is a massive 52 per cent,” she said.
“This significant price rise is impacting on their ability to offer welfare services to our returned war veterans and their families.” Mr Lockwood said the meeting with the politicians was positive.
“I felt like they listen to us and that we might be able to get something done,” he said.
“We definitely put our point across.”
Ms Kealy also raised concerns in parliament last month saying more than one business a day was now contacting her office to raise concerns about the effect of rising power bills.
She said the high prices was due to the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station.
“The closure of the station means power prices are going through the roof due to insufficient supply,” she said.
“When Daniel Andrews failed to stop the closure of Hazelwood, he said energy bills would rise about four per cent, but we now know the increase is far higher.
“If Daniel Andrews was serious about energy affordability for Victorian households and businesses, he wouldn’t have allowed Hazelwood Power Station to close with no backup plan.”
Ms Kealy said she had also raised the issue with Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.
She urged the state government to act immediately on power prices.
"I will continue to actively pursue this important matter to ensure that fair energy prices are offered to Lowan electorate residents," she said.
“Daniel Andrews needs to act immediately.”