Premier Mao Chi-kuo today called on the public to brace for power and water shortages, as the approach of summer will increase electricity demand while rainfall has been scant recently.
Regarding media reports that the country will soon face a power-shortage crisis, Mao said the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has already issued warnings based on the following factors:
‧The nation's economic prospects are quite good this year; thus industrial and commercial electricity demand will grow.
‧Household electricity consumption will rise in light of increasingly high temperatures and scarce rainfall.
‧Power-generating units must undergo regular maintenance prior to the summer season.
Although power supply is insufficient in May every year, the risk of power shortage is forecast to be higher this year, which will become more evident in the latter half of the month, the MOEA warned.
Immediately after hearing the report yesterday evening (April 15), Premier Mao instructed the MOEA to scrupulously supervise Taiwan Power Company so it will do its utmost with power distribution and ensure steady power supply.
The nation lacks energy resources, the premier reiterated. With rising public environmental demands, the international trend toward and pressure for carbon reduction in recent years, and limited choices in sources of power supply, the MOEA estimates in the next few years (2016 at the earliest and 2018 at the latest), power deficiency will become a regular risk and will not be merely confined to May.
In light of this gloomy situation, the Executive Yuan has worked with county and city governments to launch smart power conservation plans. The objective is to induce everyone to develop innovative ideas for power conservation so that such actions become everyday habits.
Meanwhile, the premier solicits citizens' understanding that their quality of life and the nation's long-term economic development both hinge on ample power supply. This grim issue calls for serious concern from whichever party leads the nation in the future. The premier hopes the various sectors of society will pool their wisdom to forge consensus through rationality and scientific means.
The premier also reminded the public that alleviation of the present drought has been limited, and despite rains in the past few days the situation is still grave. The water conditions in southern Taiwan continue to be grim, and both Tainan and Kaohsiung cities have implemented the second phase of "heightened" water supply rationing. Premier Mao has also instructed the MOEA's Water Resources Agency to do its utmost in spite of water supply constraints, while also calling on the public to restrict water use to weather this period of hardship together with the government.