KESTER Nolder, proprietor of Black Katz Café at Bridge Plaza, says that high power bills are one of the major reasons why many small business in the Eurobodalla struggle.
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Mr Nolder and his wife Karen took over the business, known previously as the Bridge Plaza Café, last September, and the first quarterly power bill came as quite a shock.
“It irks me because it is hard enough for small businesses to make a living in this town as it is, and we get these big power bills,” he said.
“I have heard of businesses around her having to close because of these bills.
“Then I read on the ‘net that Origin Energy has posted a $530 million profit. I know that they are there for their investors, but there’s got to be something they can do for their customers.”
Mr Nolder’s first quarterly power bill was $4500.
They were between $3000 and $3300.
“I don’t know why they charge commercial businesses more than domestic,” Mr Nolder said.
“It should be the same. I’m not crying poor but it is the customer who pays in the end.”
He said the café had just increased its prices to remain in business.
“We are lucky because we have good customers who understand and keep coming back,” he said.
Mr Nolder said the business had made practical changes to save money, such as not using exterior lights, turning the coffee machine off overnight and only turning it on when it is about to be used. The heated water food display unit has made way for a pie warmer.
“We have rationalised many things with common sense to save power,” Mr Nolder said.
“With measures like this we have been able to reduce our costs, and our last bill was about $3500.”
He believes even with Coalition federal and state governments in power, legislation did not help.
“You would think the Libs would have done things to ease the situation for small businesses but most politicians are out of touch,” he said.
“Even without the carbon tax it is ridiculous.”