TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) on Wednesday (Sept. 25) denied allegations that Minister Wellington Koo's (顧立雄) residential electricity bill exceeded NT$1 million, and clarified that he has not resided in the official residence since taking office.
In a press release, the defense ministry detailed that Koo has not used the official residence. It also reported that from 2022 to 2023, the MND managed seven locations with 19 official residences, including Meizhuang, Zhishan, Linzikou, Songyuan, Xinyi, Renai, and the National Defense Medical Center (國醫中心).
Each residence incurred an average monthly utility bill of NT$7,592, deemed reasonable, the MND noted.
Koo personally addressed the issue on Tuesday, clarifying that a nearby military artillery camp might have caused the confusion. He emphasized that the residence is within the camp, and he has never lived there but will make a visit if possible