A Belfast restaurant has said businesses face a difficult winter after it saw its monthly energy bill rocket from £180 to £6,000 over the course of less than two years.
Lara Thompson, Office and Accounting Manager at the South Belfast restaurant said the ‘skyrocketing’ energy bills are making it more and more likely it could close.“When we first opened in January 2022 our electric bill was £180, we’re now facing monthly costs of upwards of £6,000 and it’s only going one way.
“We certainly don’t want to close our doors but without timely intervention it’s becoming increasingly difficult for businesses like us to see a way forward.” “Record numbers of businesses across Northern Ireland will continue to face energy related debt and large bills this winter, leaving them fighting for survival,” Sinead says.