Rising electricity prices in Tasmania are resulting in increased pressure on small businesses, with many owners admitting costs are passed on to customers.
Farmers may be forced to sacrifice labour and feed costs to account for power and irrigation, according to Tasmanian Energy Consultant Marc White.
John Dabner, the general manager of Tall Timbers, an accommodation and tourism business in Smithton, said his annual power bill jumped by about $50,000 in the past year to $150,000.