A new survey commissioned by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found that a majority of Victorian businesses are increasingly concerned about the impact of rising energy prices.
The survey, which tackled a range of sectors on issues including energy costs and supply and the transition to a net-zero economy, revealed that 92 per cent of businesses expressed concern about the potential increase in costs in the next year.
Because of this, 42 per cent are seeking Government support in the transition to a net-zero economy as a way to address the rising energy costs. Seven out of 10 respondents also believe that the transition to a net-zero economy should be used as an opportunity for the government to help drive green manufacturing in Victoria.
However, only eight per cent think Victoria is adequately prepared to reach 95 per cent renewable energy use by 2035. At the moment, less than 10 per cent of businesses are measuring their carbon emissions, while almost 70 per cent are not planning to do so.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra commented on the findings saying, “Our members are clearly saying that they are concerned about energy prices and they recognise that renewable energy is the long-term solution. These businesses are looking to government to provide the direction, certainty and assistance around what the journey to net-zero looks like and how they can participate in it.”
Guerra added, “If we are to reach the Government’s 95 per cent renewable target by 2035 then we need to get our skates on, but we also need to ensure we take business with us. The Victorian Chamber’s Energy Roadmap, which has been provided to Government, would help ease the cost of doing business and future-proof Victorian industries while establishing a world-leading clean energy sector that could be a key driver of our future economy.”
