Heat Wave Alert: Government Steps In to Ease Electricity Bills for Struggling Families

A ruling party lawmaker announced Tuesday that the government has eased the tiered system for electricity bills to help alleviate financial burdens on consumers. This comes as an intense heat wave is expected to push temperatures to record highs this summer.

Rep. Kim Woni of the ruling Democratic Party informed reporters that since early this month, the government has been distributing energy vouchers worth 701,300 KRW ($507) to low-income households.

Kim also stated that the maximum discount on electricity prices for underprivileged families has been increased to 20,000 KRW per month.

The state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. has been implementing a relaxed tiered system for electricity bills every July and August since 2019.

Under the new system, the first-tier electricity rate now applies to usage under 300 kilowatt-hours, up from the previous 200 kWh. The second-tier range has been adjusted to 301-450 kWh from 201-400 kWh, while the third-tier now starts at over 451 kWh, compared to the previous 401 kWh.

According to Kim, electricity demand is expected to surge this summer as forecasts predict a record-breaking heat wave across the nation.

The lawmaker assured that both the ruling party and the government will continue their efforts to ensure sufficient power supply capabilities throughout this challenging period. (Yonhap)