TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Executive Yuan (行政院) said on Thursday (Feb. 6) that it has no predetermined stance on electricity price adjustments as it has not yet received the final budget review report.
Concerns about potential electricity price hikes arose following the removal of a NT$100 billion budget allocation for Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電).
During the post-Cabinet meeting press conference, media inquiries focused on the anticipated 6.6% rise in electricity prices due to the budget cut. This increase could potentially affect consumer prices. According to Executive Yuan Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝), they would defer to the Electricity Price Review Committee's (電價審議委員會) expertise in deciding any rate adjustments. The committee plans to meet in late March to discuss potential changes starting in April.
Reporters also questioned whether local governments would need to cover costs for air conditioning in classrooms following the budget cut. Lee clarified that ministries are currently assessing responsibilities concerning local governments' roles. She assured the public that further progress would be communicated publicly.