The South Australian Business Chamber Executive Director of Industry and Government Engagement, Anthony Penney, said the price comparison, compiled by the government-created body, showed South Australian businesses are disadvantaged by state and federal energy policies.
“With the election just days away, now is the time for our political parties to step up and prove to South Australians that they have legitimate plans in place to cut power costs, which are crippling small to medium-sized businesses,” Mr Penney said.
“The South Australian Business Chamber wants to see a well-designed national energy guarantee, to ensure affordable and reliable low emissions power is implemented in a timely manner.”
The report’s jurisdictional comparison of SME tariffs showed South Australian businesses had the highest annual electricity bills – at an average of $8,500 – compared to Victorian businesses with the lowest at $5,850.
“One of the biggest concerns South Australian small businesses face is the spiralling cost of energy,” Mr Penney said.
“While there has been some downward movement in wholesale prices, South Australia remains at the top of the national electricity costs table. The time has come to make sure our politicians know small businesses are still suffering from crippling power costs, at a time when they can least afford it.”
The South Australian Business Chamber also wants to ensure costs of future transmission upgrades, including a new interconnector to New South Wales, are subject to costs being shared as part of the national renewable energy zone policy.
“There also needs to be an increase in funding to the State Government’s energy productivity program for business, which should include gas efficiency measures,” Mr Penney said.
The report wasn’t all bad news — annual gas prices during the same period decreased in South Australia by a barely noticeable 1 per cent.
