Dramatic price hikes would 'hurt' small business: IGA

Small business has questioned the timing of proposed increases in electricity prices in Western Australia.

The Office of Energy has proposed that small business pay up to 85-per cent more for power over the next three years, while the increase for households over the same period should be 116 per cent.

The President of the Independent Grocers Association John Cummings says if the government accepts the recommendation, price increases should be staggered.

Mr Cummings says such dramatic rises would be particularly damaging to small businesses in the current economic climate.