TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Power Co. will submit a nuclear plant reactivation plan to the Nuclear Safety Commission by the end of March. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced Saturday (March 21) that conditions for restarting the No. 2 and No. 3 plants have been assessed. The Ministry of Economic Affairs completed its assessment, marking a significant policy shift. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) confirmed Tuesday (March 24) that necessary procedures would commence after the nuclear management law's amendment.
Legislator Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲) questioned the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP), Taiwan's ruling party, past anti-nuclear stance, urging Premier Cho to thank opposition legislators. Cho responded that the passage of the nuclear management law reflects thorough legislative discussions, resulting in a law that is neither unconstitutional nor illegal. He stated the anti-nuclear issue is not a "spiritual tablet" but has evolved from past environmental concerns to a global reassessment following multiple nuclear incidents.
Wan noted President Lai's sudden gratitude for the legislature, Taiwan's parliament, passing the nuclear management law, questioning whether this policy shift had been discussed with Cho in advance. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will convene a committee to review electricity rates by the end of March. Cho stated the committee would decide on rates prudently, recognizing the significant contributions of state-owned enterprises to price stability and social stability.
Cho faced criticism after suggesting gratitude toward CPC Corp., Taiwan (中油), Taiwan's state-owned oil company, on Sunday (March 22). He clarified Tuesday that CPC employees are citizens deserving appreciation and care. CPC announced price increases for gasoline and diesel on Monday (March 23), with Cho noting CPC has absorbed international oil price hikes amounting to NT$6.5 billion (around US$203 million) since Friday (Feb. 28).