CLP and Hongkong Electric announced earlier that next year's electricity bills will increase by 5.8% and 7% respectively, which will add to the burden of people's lives.
The Secretary for the Environment, Huang Jinxing, predicts that low-carbon transition will put a certain pressure on electricity prices. He bluntly stated that "the electricity bill has risen less than I expected in the past few years." I believe that the monthly electricity bill relief fund of 50 yuan can play a certain role.
As for why the Hong Kong government does not require the two power companies to "make less money," and to tide over the difficulties together with the public.
He responded by saying, "Ask other cities, how about adding double digits to (electricity bills)?"
Huang Jinxing also revealed that 40% of all electricity users in Hong Kong have replaced smart meters, and it is expected that the replacement project will be completed in the next three years.
At that time, electricity tariffs will be charged at different times. Different electricity prices will be charged at different times. "The public will charge for different times. When off-peak electricity is used first, they can save money."
Interview with Huang Jinxing:
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The epidemic has lasted for nearly two years, and the economy has not yet completed its recovery, but electricity tariffs will be the first to increase prices next year.
In an interview with "Hong Kong 01", Huang Jinxing emphasized that even if the electricity price is increased, I believe that an average monthly electricity bill of 50 yuan can still help the public. In addition, there are still electricity subsidies. "This year's talk is more than enough. I believe in the future. Two years are considered good arrangements."
I was asked whether the public would have to bear the sharp rise in electricity bills after the 50 yuan monthly electricity bill relief was paid.
Huang pointed out that the Hong Kong government adheres to four principles in handling electricity prices, including safety, stable power supply, reasonable prices, and environmental protection, and emphasizes that "the balance of the four principles has never been easy. Saving electricity, not just saving money, is also the responsibility of the whole people." As for whether the Hong Kong Government will introduce electricity tariff subsidies again, he did not respond directly, only reiterating that it must adhere to the above principles.
Huang: Ask other cities in other places to add double-digit numbers
After the two power companies announced their tariff increases for the coming year, the government has been avoiding discussions about whether the two power companies have "earned out" the 8% rate of return allowed under the Control Agreement. Many people also questioned that the Hong Kong government was "led by the nose" by the two power companies. .
Huang Jinxing opposes the relevant argument and emphasizes that stable power supply is not inevitable. "It can be said aloud that Hong Kong's power supply system is the most stable." He reiterated that it is never easy to achieve the four principles.
He also asked, "There are epidemics in other places, and the economy will not be better than ours. What is the reason for the government and society to allow double-digit increases in (electricity prices)? Ask other cities in other places, how to add double-digit numbers?"
In addition, Huang Jinxing expects that the electricity tariff will be charged at different times in three years at the earliest.
He explained that the number of generator sets to be built should be determined in response to peak electricity demand.
If the peak power consumption can be reduced, the funds invested in new units can also be reduced. "There are segmented charges that can divert the habit of using electricity during peak hours. Electric vehicles are charged at night and off-peak hours, and the price is reasonable. ".
He also cited as an example that housewives who do not need to go to work can use the washing machine at different times. "If you wash your clothes during the cooking time at night, you have a good chance of hitting the peak electricity consumption, but you can avoid it if you wash your clothes in the morning."
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