Monday briefing: What you need to know about Taiwan tonight

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Amid a cold snap, Taiwan finds itself balancing diplomatic engagements, economic stability, cultural traditions, and festive celebrations on Monday (Jan. 13). From a delegation attending the U.S. presidential inauguration to students seeking divine blessings for academic success, Taiwan navigates a diverse landscape of events and challenges. Here are the five news stories you need to know tonight:

Taiwan Braces for Coldest Winter Temperatures This Week

A strong continental cold air mass has gripped Taiwan, causing temperatures to plummet to their lowest of the winter season on Monday (Jan. 13), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署). Areas such as Keelung, New Taipei, and Hsinchu faced a chance of temperatures dropping below 6 degrees Celsius, while Hualien and Taitung experienced lows around 10 degrees.

Meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) explained that clear skies and strong radiative cooling contributed to the extreme cold, with Miaoli's Sanwan Township (三灣鄉) recording a low of 1.6 degrees. Wu also noted that a new cold air mass will sweep south on Wednesday, bringing colder conditions to northern and northeastern regions and affecting other areas in the mornings and evenings until Friday.

Taiwan Delegation Readies to Attend Trump Inauguration Jan. 20
Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) will lead a delegation of legislators to attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. The group, invited by President Lai Ching-te, includes eight legislators from various parties. They will arrive in New York on Saturday (Jan. 18) before traveling to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19.

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, D.C. (CCBA, 美京中華會館) will host a banquet for Han and his delegation on the night of the inauguration. They expect over 400 attendees at the event, set to take place in a hotel in the D.C. area. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States plans to host another banquet at Twin Oaks on Jan. 21.

Taipower Denies Plans for April Electricity Price Hike
Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) addressed speculation on Monday about a potential 7% electricity price hike in April, along with a possible increase in water rates, clarifying that the Electricity Tariff Examination Council (電價審議會) decides on price adjustments, and no current plans for a price increase exist.

Taipower revealed its efforts to absorb over NT$80 billion annually from 2022 to 2024 to mitigate residential electricity costs, totaling NT$280 billion over three years. The company has also sought a NT$200 billion budget to subsidize residential electricity prices. With the average residential electricity price at just NT$2.77 per kilowatt-hour, one dollar below cost, over 14 million households benefit. Taipower urged the Legislative Yuan to support budget allocations to stabilize consumer prices.

Students Seek Blessings at Taipei's Wenchang Temple
Students gearing up for the 2025 college entrance exam have flocked to Wenchang Temple (台北市文昌宮) in Taipei and Zhennan Temple (嘉義市鎮南聖神宮) in Chiayi since Sunday, seeking divine blessings for success. These temples have seen a surge in visitors as the exam day approaches on Saturday.

At Wenchang Temple, students placed their exam admission tickets and other items on the offering table, hoping for good fortune. The temple opened early registration for its blessing ceremony, drawing a significant crowd of parents and students eager to secure a spot.

Taiwan Lottery Unveils New Scratch Cards for Lunar New Year
Taiwan Lottery (台彩) launched five new scratch cards to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The company aims to spread joy and prosperity with these seasonal offerings, which include the "12 Million Grand Fortune" (1200萬大吉利), "God of Wealth's Red Envelope" (財神發紅包), and "Golden Snake's Blessing" (金蛇報喜).

The 12 Million Grand Fortune, priced at NT$1,000 per ticket, boasts a top prize of NT$12 million, with six such prizes available. Taiwan Lottery stated that it features the highest prize among scratch cards of the same denomination, available only before the Lunar New Year, making it a popular choice for many. Meanwhile, the God of Wealth's Red Envelope, priced at NT$500, offers eight top prizes of NT$5 million.