On Thursday 20th Lumiere Cinema in Romford has announced its closure following a long-running dispute over electricity costs and financial pressures facing the business. In a statement to members and customers, the cinema said its electricity supply was due to be disconnected following an 18-month dispute with energy supplier SSE over its bills.

Cinema operator Spencer Hawken said the electricity charges had been disputed because they were significantly higher than expected for the premises. According to the statement, SSE informed the cinema that it intended to disconnect the supply after the parties failed to resolve the dispute. Lumiere said it faced an electricity bill of around £18,000, while reconnecting the premises would also require additional costs and a deposit of at least £20,000.

The independent cinema said the business had improved significantly but had not attracted the level of custom originally anticipated, leaving it without sufficient funds to meet the unexpected cost. Spencer said “the cinema did not have other outstanding debts beyond its normal operating bills”, but described the disputed electricity charge as too substantial for the business to absorb.

Just as the power was due to be turned off by the supplier, the community stepped forward to save the venue. In a statement from Lumiere;

So it’s not over

Firstly huge thanks to Linda and Martin who saved the day today, then a big thank you to all the people that offered us money.
Then thank you to Fran of Havering Daily who contacted SSE to complain about the situation. and to Guramar from Managing Utilities who told us we have indeed been SIGNIFICANTLY overcharged. And is on the case to resolve some of those issues.

The Cinema & community venue lives on – Read the full statement: HERE