THE region’s irrigators are struggling with the burden of increased electricity prices.
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Some in the MIA said the cost of electricity was now greater than that of water.
Irrigators rely heavily on electricity to ensure their farms were productive and producing effectively and efficiently.
The cost of distributing electricity from power stations can form up to 70 per cent of an irrigator’s electricity bill and it is coming at a cost, according to citrus grower and Pacific Fresh chairman Frank Mercuri.
“It’s (electricity) more expensive than water these days,” he said.
“I would say about 95 per cent of irrigators use drip irrigation and they all need pumps to run.
“That’s where the electricity prices can really get you.
“On the farm, our electricity costs would be at least $800 a week.” Mr Mercuri said he was exploring the use of solar on the farm in order to help ease the burden.
With costs expected to rise again from July 1, irrigators across the country have also been left shocked at the Federal Court’s recent decision to block the path to reduced electricity prices.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) had sought to contain excessive spending by power companies for the 2014-19 period, arguing in the Federal Court that NSW electricity distribution businesses were inefficient.
The AER’s determination significantly cut power prices, but the energy companies successfully appealed to the Australian Competition Tribunal, which forced the AER to unsuccessfully take the issue to the Federal Court.
The NSW Irrigators’ Council has long argued that power companies have irresponsibly over-invested in distribution infrastructure over successive years.
“Given the alarming rate of electricity price increases over the past decade it is certain that, without a strong regulator to stop persistent gouging by the electricity companies, the increases will continue indefinitely,” the council said.
Leeton shire winemaker Robert Bruno said he too would be looking into solar options for the operations both on-farm and off at Toorak Winery. “For the on-farm side of things we do try to irrigate at off-peak times,” he said.
“That’s one thing you can do. Solar is becoming more of a consideration. It also effects us in terms of the actual winery with our bottling, refrigeration and that sort of thing.”