Premier Cho Jung-tai of the Executive Yuan firmly supports energy transition and calls on the Legislative Yuan to allocate NT$100 billion to Taipower to stabilize electricity prices.

Taiwan • Politics • 15h ago

On May 9, 2025, Premier Cho Jung-tai reiterated in an exclusive interview that the government's second energy transition policy is correct. He emphasized the allocation of NT$100 billion to Taiwan Power Company to offset losses and stabilize electricity rates, thereby preventing industries from facing pressure due to electricity rates and tariffs. Taiwan Power Company promised not to raise electricity rates this year if the allocation is granted. With the decommissioning of the No. 2 unit at the Third Nuclear Power Plant, Taiwan has entered a nuclear-free era, drawing attention to energy policies. Cho Jung-tai urged the Legislative Yuan to support the allocation proposal, emphasizing the importance of advancing green energy development alongside maintaining power stability.

Cho Jung-tai: The Direction of Energy Transition is Correct, Subsidizing Taipower is Essential

The Executive Yuan recently proposed a draft of the "Special Act for Strengthening Economic, Social, and Homeland Security Resilience in Response to International Situations" with a total amount of NT$410 billion, of which NT$100 billion is planned to allocate funds to Taipower. Cho Jung-tai pointed out that in the past three years, Taipower has accumulated losses of NT$430 billion due to soaring fuel prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and long-term subsidies for electricity used by public services like hospitals and schools. This allocation aims to stabilize Taipower's financial structure, reduce interest expenses, and provide a stable basis for future electricity price reviews.

He emphasized that this allocation is not just a financial maneuver but also concerns the overall competitiveness of the industry. He stated, "If the industry faces both rising electricity prices and tariff pressures, it will cause a dual blow to the economy." Therefore, he urged the Legislative Yuan to support the allocation plan to maintain stable power supply and reasonable prices.

Opposition Parties Oppose Allocation, Question Energy Policy Direction

Despite the Executive Yuan emphasizing the necessity of the allocation, opposition parties have expressed strong opposition, believing that the government's energy policy is flawed, leading to Taipower's losses. Opponents argue that the government should reconsider nuclear energy as an option for stable power supply instead of solely promoting a non-nuclear policy.

In response, Cho Jung-tai pointed out that the opposition to the allocation mainly stems from distrust in the government's energy policy, especially regarding the non-nuclear policy. He admitted, "Frankly, they hope the government continues to use nuclear power, but no one wants nuclear waste near their home." He believes that the issues of nuclear waste disposal, nuclear safety risks, and social consensus on traditional nuclear power remain unresolved challenges.

Taipower's Commitment: No Electricity Price Increase This Year if Funded

Regarding electricity price stability, Cho Jung-tai revealed that Taipower has clearly committed that if it receives the NT$100 billion allocation, it will not raise electricity prices this year. He stated that this commitment is an important guarantee for the industry and the public, helping to alleviate inflationary pressures and business operating costs.

Additionally, Cho Jung-tai noted that in future electricity price reviews, the review committee will be able to consider Taipower's financial stability, further supporting recommendations not to increase electricity prices.

Taiwan Officially Enters the Zero Nuclear Power Era

On May 17, 2025, the No. 2 reactor of the Third Nuclear Power Plant will be decommissioned according to law, marking Taiwan's official transition to a zero nuclear power era. Cho Jung-tai stated that although the Legislative Yuan is discussing amendments to the law, if the No. 2 reactor of the Third Nuclear Power Plant is to be restarted in the future, it will still need to pass safety inspections, and the nuclear waste issue remains unresolved.

He pointed out that whether to restart nuclear power is a topic open for discussion, but the structural issues of traditional nuclear power remain unresolved. He emphasized that the current government energy policy focuses on diverse green energy, deep energy conservation, advanced energy storage, and strengthening cable resilience, aiming for a steady transition to net-zero.

Renewable Energy Development and Power Stability Go Hand in Hand

Cho Jung-tai stated that there is a strong demand for renewable energy from major domestic and international companies, and the government's direction in promoting the second energy transition policy is correct. He noted that the proportion of green energy generation is expected to reach 20% next year, and the "gas for coal" units are being gradually replaced. The Ministry of Economic Affairs also stated that Taiwan's electricity supply will be secure until 2032.

Furthermore, the Legislative Yuan recently passed amendments to certain provisions of the "Electricity Act" in the third reading, ensuring that Taipower maintains its current operational model without division, strengthening the regulation of the electricity trading platform, invigorating the renewable energy market, and incorporating emerging power resources such as energy storage and demand response to further support energy transition policies.

Premier Cho Jung-tai of the Executive Yuan firmly supports energy transition and calls on the Legislative Yuan to allocate NT$100 billion to Taipower to stabilize electricity prices.

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