The show will go on in the dark, if need be

Disputes with Energy Australia will not hold back the unveiling of the newly refurbished Imperial Hotel, owner Shadd Danesi has vowed.

Danesi was last week informed by Energy Australia that they could not provide the amount of power needed to fuel the pub’s world renowned drag shows, because there simply wasn’t the infrastructure necessary in Erskineville.

Instead, Danesi was asked to build his own substation, at a cost of $125,000.

They are looking into the matter and are going to contact my electrical engineer, but it seems that there’s a problem with Erskineville’s infrastructure. It just seems ridiculous, I mean, we’re a small business, Danesi told the Sydney Star Observer, hours after holding a second meeting with Energy Australia representatives.

We’ve always had 300amps coming into the hotel, though we didn’t use all 300 before. But I only need 300 now and if there isn’t enough electricity in Erskineville to run a small business things are looking grim, or should I say black,

Danesi assured patrons there were no plans to hold off the planned re-opening in five to six weeks time.

We had a hopefully productive meeting today and hopefully they will look into it – I’ve explained the urgency to them. It won’t hold up any renovations though and the other aspects for opening preparations are looking good.

Danesi is also continuing to consider his options for contesting City of Sydney’s refusal to grant his requested patron numbers and a giant stilletto he had planned to feature on the pub’s roof.