TAIPEI (TVBS News) — After more than 25 years without any price adjustment, Taiwan is bracing for an imminent hike in water prices come April. This follows rumors of an impending increase in electricity rates, which soared by 11% last April.
With these developments looming, large-scale consumers of energy and water are urged to innovate new conservation strategies.
Currently, 92% of Taiwan's water consumers are domestic households using less than 50 cubic meters per month, paying roughly NT＄200 to NT＄300. Discussions are underway to lower charges for low water users, potentially reducing costs by over 2%.
Wu Chin-wen, Vice President of Taiwan Water, emphasized efforts to minimize the impact on public water usage while reviewing conservation criteria for high-consuming entities like factories.
For high water users, who operate under a 4-tier tariff system, future adjustments are likely. Despite comprising only 8% of users, these consumers represent 40% to 50% of total water usage and will face increased charges proportional to their usage.
Despite concerns for large enterprises, mitigation strategies are available. Professor You Jiing-yun from the Hydrotech Research Institute at National Taiwan University highlighted tax regulations applicable to large water users. Entities demonstrating reduced water consumption or proposing conservation methods may qualify for reduced or waived taxes.
Taiwan's water prices currently rank as the world's third-lowest, but Taiwan Water Corporation grapples with a deficit of NT＄4.3 billion.
Balancing effective water resource management with economic sustainability necessitates meticulous evaluation.