The ongoing electricity supply crisis facing businesses will see the end of certain trades according to one local shop keeper.
Sonny Thomas from Paddy's Shop on Ballymahon Street in Longford saw an increase of €5,000 euro in his electrical bill in space of two months.
It follows similar reports from Athlone yesterday where a local cafe, received a bill for €10,000 for their summer electricity use.
Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Sonny says he is having to introduce major changes to his business to keep going.
These include cutting opening times by an hour a day, turning off drinks displays and fridges and removing a small freezer used for frozen food.
The well known Longford Shopkeeper says the convenience store trade has no future under these circumstances:
It is very tight when you are competing against the big super markets and discount stores.
There is only so much you can make and in terms of electricity prices, there is only so much you can pay.
You have other costs as well; rent, rates, everything has to be paid.
I don't know, If this is what we will have to pay for electricity then there is no future in this trade.
