Local business gets 341% increase in electric costs, has "no idea" how long they can survive

A local store has received a bill for more than £1,700 for ONE MONTH of electricity. 

Stoke Gabriel Stores owner Rozalyn Holmes took to social media after receiving a bill from Maxen Power for electric at the shop that totalled £1,715.96 for the month of August.

She said: "Those of you who know me well will know that I’m generally a pretty up beat, glass half full kind of person….but not today.

"My price p/kWh has increased from 17p in March up to 74.9p from August [a 341% increase].

"How on earth are small independent businesses going to survive this current economic crisis..?!?

"My shop is relatively small, just a few members of staff, minimal electrical equipment, all of which are essential!! My bill back in March averaged £400….and I thought that was too much!

"I honestly don’t know what the next few months are going to bring but I urge all of you to support the village businesses whenever you can!"

When asked how long she will be able to keep her head above water in this situation, Rozalyn said: "I honestly have no idea how long I’ll keep going for. 

"It’s an unprecedented situation, I can only hope that things get a lot better soon."

Rozalyn's situation will be familiar to many small businesses in the South Hams and nationally, as well as most households. Not sure how much longer many of us will be able to keep this up. 

Photo credit Stoke Gabriel Stores - "Here’s a lovely photo of the shop from last year when I could afford to light up the window in the evening…"