A town's popular Lido could face a six-figure energy bill next year after being hit by a devastating 350pc increase.
Managing director Shaun Crowley says the pool needs local support to be considered for national grants after seeing stark rises since last year.
As of December 1, the Lido's electricity bill has soared from 17p to 59p per unit.
He said: “The increases are just insane.
“Our electric bill has gone up 350pc since 2021.
“We were initially quoted a bill of 91p per unit before we had a broker negotiate it to 59p.
“We pay 2.5 kWh for gas, but from August 2023 we will have to be 21p per kWh, an increase of 800pc, this is crazy.
“Our combined gas and electricity bill in 2021 was £35,000.
“This year it will be £55,000, while next year it looks like it will be between £120,000-£130,000.
“And in 2024, if nothing changes, it will be about £250,000.
"These are astronomical increases, it is terrifying.”
The pool does have some form of renewable energy with solar panels in place, but they only generate 12pc of the pool's total electricity output.
Mr Crowley said: “We are looking at putting solar panels on our remaining two roofs which we estimate means we could generate around 22pc of our own electricity.
“Should we replace our old existing 10-year-old solar panels we then will be able to produce 27pc of our own electricity, but the solar project itself is very costly."
To be considered for government grants the Lido needs proof in the form of public donations or petition signatures.
Mr Crowley said: "For national and government grants to consider us we need to have as much local support as possible for them to consider us.
“So please sign the petition on our website and get involved.
"It will be a shame to go back to being just a summer facility because we have swimmers who swim with us 52 weeks of the year."
Mr Crowley said the lido has had over 65,000 swimmers this year and urges the pool is brilliant for people's mental and physical well-being.
“It is well documented how good swimming is for people's physical fitness, but also people's mental health.
“Some elderly and disabled people are unable to do weight-bearing spots, so need to swim.
“If the lido can keep people healthy and active and reduce the pressure on hospitals and local health services, then it's hugely important."
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