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DPP skips KMT-led talks on halting electricity price hike
Discover the ongoing political debate in Taipei as the DPP abstains from KMT-initiated talks on freezing electricity prices amid rising costs due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, highlighting the clash over addressing structural unfairness in charges.2024/04/24 18:01 -
Taipower to propose electricity price reform in March
Taipower proposes moderate adjustments to residential electricity prices for the first time in 20 years due to discrepancies between current prices and actual costs. The Electricity Price Review Committee is set to convene in late March to determine new rates effective from April, with expectations of increases across both industry and residential sectors.2024/02/29 14:21 -
Taipower at risk of financial crisis without government aid
Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) faces a potential financial crisis by year-end without government aid or electricity price hikes, warned Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. An upcoming electricity price review may see rates for ultra-high-voltage users surge by over 10%. Wang emphasizes the need for discussion in the committee meeting and assures efforts to minimize impacts on the public. Taipower’s efficient management has helped curb price spikes and inflation, with plans in place for financial support and program development. Current electricity costs for major consumers stand at around NT$1.63, while Taipower’s generation cost, pre-tax, is NT$3.93, expected to surpass NT$4 post-tax.2024/02/20 13:10 -
Premier pledges transparency in future power rate hikes
Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasizes Taipower’s role in stabilizing commodity prices amid global challenges, promising transparency in future electricity rate adjustments. The upcoming electricity price review committee may lead to inclusive price hikes, citing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on raw material costs. Chen underscores Taipower’s efforts to control expenses and enhance efficiency while ensuring public understanding of any changes in electricity charges.2024/02/20 11:58 -
Taiwan’s MOEA to aid Taipower’s budget crisis
The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, plans to help Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) seek budgetary support from the Executive Yuan to alleviate its financial distress. Taipower reached out to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) for assistance, citing escalating international fuel prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Other global power companies, such as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and Électricité de France (EDF), have already experienced significant price hikes. Taipower’s rates are relatively low compared to the cost of power generation, resulting in policy-driven losses. As of 2023, Taipower has accumulated losses of NT$382.6 billion due to absorbing price increases to protect Taiwan from global inflation. The MOEA disclosed that Taipower and the CPC Corporation have discrepancies in predicting natural gas prices, leading Taipower to observe international coal prices for cost estimates in 2024. While mitigating Taipower’s financial woes in the short term poses challenges, Wang aims to prevent further losses. The MOEA will assist Taipower in lobbying the government for budget support once financial situation estimates are finalized. The decision to adjust electricity prices will be made by the Electricity Price Review Committee.2024/01/23 13:09