Aquatic businesses have not been singled out for extra government help towards energy bills in the new business support package announced this week.

Under the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which replaces the current scheme when it ends in March, all eligible non-domestic consumers will receive a per-unit discount to their energy bills for 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024, subject to a maximum discount. But some industries deemed to be very heavy energy users will also get additional support on top of this. Despite representations the aquatics industry is not one of these.

“It is of course welcome that help will continue to be available to businesses but we do find it very strange that energy heavy businesses such as aquatics have not got additional support, particularly when for example manufacturers of knitted and crocheted fabrics and hosiery do get chosen!” commented OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“At its heart, this is an animal welfare issue because aquatics businesses cannot choose to turn down the heating, lighting, pumps and filters which must run all day, every day to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care.

“We are making further representations to highlight this and have written to the Prime Minister, Defra and BEIS departments because we believe our sector has a far greater case for additional support than many currently listed.

“We would also urge businesses to ask their MPs to advocate on their behalf to get aquatics listed for extra support and have created a letter to personalise which can be found on our website.”

Under the new EBDS scheme prices have been set per kilowatt hour, up to a maximum, to help eligible businesses calculate what to expect with bills for the next 12 months. Businesses can read more about the scheme and find the MP’s letter on OATA’s website. https://ornamentalfish.org/add-your-voice-to-energy-crisis-call-for-help/