Less Foot Traffic Sparks Search for Alternatives to Escape Reality Amid UniSource Rate Hike

Chris Starr marks the sixth anniversary of his business, VR Escape Reality, with contemplation about the evolving economic landscape. Earlier this year, he made the decision to downsize his operations, reducing the footprint of his establishment significantly.

Starr’s business once occupied 4,200 square feet. Transitioning to a single unit has resulted in decreased energy costs, though he still anticipates a 50% to 60% hike in his current expenses.

“Having been in this industry for quite some time, I expected a surge in bills. I allocated funds at the year’s start for the high summer expenses,” Starr stated. “However, when bills exceed what I’ve budgeted, it can be quite unsettling.”

Over the past summer, Starr’s peak UniSource bill reached $376, a stark contrast to an anticipated $250 prior to the rate increase.

“The rate hike doesn’t substantially impact my current operations, especially after downsizing. Before, with 4,200 square feet, I would have felt the pinch much harder,” he observed.

The busy season for VR Escape Reality typically spans from March to September, following holidays and school breaks. With increasing costs troubling both local businesses and consumers, Starr has looked for ways to pull in customers.

Discounts emerged as a viable strategy. He noted that despite a general decline in consumer spending, lowering prices proved beneficial for attracting patrons.

“This summer has been the slowest I’ve experienced in six years. Consumer spending has nearly ground to a halt,” he elaborated. “Many businesses face similar challenges.”

Starr has witnessed pushback from other energy consumers regarding increasing rates but notes that UniSource’s responses have been tepid at best. “All the petitions and UniSource’s representative attending meetings highlight our powerlessness. Even if we gathered every signature in Arizona, we can’t influence UniSource to lower their rates,” he lamented. “Without intervention from state officials, we may continue to face these rising rates.”