TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant move, Taiwan's Legislative Yuan voted on Tuesday (April 30) to halt the planned electricity price hike, with the proposal from the Kuomintang (KMT) party gaining majority support.
This decision comes after an 11% increase in electricity rates was scheduled to start on April 1, sparking proposals from both the KMT and the People's Party to freeze the rates.
The vote, presided over by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, saw 109 legislators in attendance, with 59 voting in favor and 50 against the freeze.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) proposed an amendment to freeze rates for specific groups only, but it did not pass.
Han announced that, based on the vote, the Legislative Yuan has decided to immediately stop the electricity price increase. The KMT's proposal emphasized the need to balance people's livelihoods, ensure a stable power supply, and maintain the normal operations of Taiwan Power Company.
However, it's important to note that the Legislative Yuan's resolution serves as a recommendation to the executive branch.
The final decision on whether to freeze the electricity prices still rests with the executive authorities.
This development marks a critical moment in Taiwan's energy policy, reflecting the legislative body's responsiveness to public concern over rising living costs while also highlighting the complexities of balancing economic, social, and operational considerations in utility management.