TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung City councilors criticized a nearly 15% hike in industrial electricity rates on Monday (Oct. 28), warning it will severely impact small and medium enterprises and burden citizens' lives.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部) decided to implement the rate increase starting Oct. 16, sparking concerns among local officials and business owners.
Chang Feng-yuan (張峯源), director of Taichung's Economic Development Bureau (經發局), estimated the electricity price increase would add about NT$10 billion to Taichung businesses' annual expenses, with each company paying an additional NT$500,000 on average.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Councilor Lin Hao-yu (林昊佑) questioned Taichung's Economic Development Bureau on its support measures for industries, emphasizing the linkage between industry and livelihood will eventually force the public to bear the cost.
He also criticized the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) for claiming Taiwan's electricity prices are cheaper than those in Japan and South Korea, questioning whether production costs and citizens' incomes are comparable.
KMT Councilor Huang Chia-tien (黃佳恬) echoed concerns, stating that the Economic Minister claims electricity prices should not be as low as possible. However, the ultimate victims of the industrial electricity price increase are still the people. She urged the central government to listen to public opinion, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy pricing.