As part of News OnTheWight’s series on how Isle of Wight households and businesses are being impacted by the ongoing cost of living and energy price crises, we speak to Neil Reed of the Isle of Wight Reptilarium and Terrapin Sanctuary.
The attraction at Fort Victoria has been struggling to cope with the large rises in energy costs, even before the October 2022, January and April 2023 price cap comes into force.
Energy bill tripled last year
Neil explained,
“This time last year (2021) our energy prices jumped from 10p per kilowatt hour (kwh) to 30p/kwh.
“It was devastating news. It meant our energy bill had tripled and we had to put up our admission prices and make as many energy savings as possible. We thought that if we have a really, really good summer we might just make it through.”
Another price hike
As if the tripling of costs last year wasn’t enough for this organisation to bear, a few weeks ago they got another devastating blow.
Neil explains,
“We found out that our energy prices were going from 30p/kwh to 80p/kwh. We’re not in a contract, so price changes can be implemented with a month’s notice.
“We frantically tried to secure a ‘better’ deal, and … I can’t believe I’m using this word in relation to such steep prices … but thankfully we managed to secure a three year term at 60p/kwh, if we had further delayed then commercial energy prices are topping £1/kwh this week!”
Six times the cost
The Reptilarium is now facing energy costs six times higher than 12 months ago, with their annual energy bill topping £20,000 a year. A figure that is not even met with admission fees.
Neil commented,
“The business is now unsustainable in the current situation. We have probably enough funds to last a few more months unless there is drastic intervention from the government.”
Reed: Last chance saloon
Speaking about the future of the sanctuary, Neil told News OnTheWight,
“The cold hard reality of the situation is that as a zoo / sanctuary we can not reduce our running costs any further than we already have done.
“Our turtles are already at last chance saloon as they have been saved from euthanasia by coming to the sanctuary as they are all invasive species and can only be held under special licence.”
Reed: Government quite happy to fiddle, whilst business burns
Neil finished by saying,
“As shown by the government in the pandemic, they have little sympathy for animal institutions, no money was ever forthcoming from the fabled ‘zoos fund’ whilst hundreds of thousands were handed out to arts and culture, I hold little hope of this Government doing anything to help, seems they are quite happy to fiddle, whilst business burns.
“We’ve basically worked an entire summer season to pay the electricity bill for a couple of months and then we are in the lap of the gods!”
How to show your support
If you would like to support the Isle of Wight Reptilarium and Terrapin Sanctuary head over to their Website where they list ways you can help.
Share your story
If you run an Isle of Wight business or organisation that will be impacted by the energy and cost of living crises, get in touch to share your story.
