Premier Jiang Yi-huah today approved a target set by the Bureau of Energy (BOE) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to save 1 percent in electricity usage nationwide in the next 12 months.
A 1-percent cut in national electricity consumption translates to savings of 2.45 million megawatt-hours of energy. This campaign will be led by the government with voluntary participation from businesses and households, Jiang said.
The Executive Yuan decided earlier this year to suspend construction on the fourth nuclear power plant until safety inspections have been conducted and to allow a national referendum to decide whether the plant will become operational—all of which are expected to affect Taiwan's future electricity supply. In addition to the government convening a national energy conference, the private sector must also pitch in and help conserve power and electricity, the premier said.
With summer and the peak season for electricity consumption just around the corner, Premier Jiang asked Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo and the MOEA a fortnight ago to formulate new ideas and methods for encouraging conservation among the public. The premier heard the preliminary plan today and asked the BOE to make some adjustments.
In addition, Premier Jiang directed the BOE to add a public comments and suggestions section to its "Energy Park" website (http://www.energypark.org.tw/). Those who offer workable ideas or suggestions would be rewarded.
The premier also instructed the bureau to present a comprehensive energy conservation plan at next week's Cabinet meeting so that the campaign can kick off early this summer.