Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

June 1, 2026-Residential summer electricity rates take effect starting today. A Taipower representative expressed that Taipower adheres to the practices of electricity providers in international markets such as the USA, Japan, and the UK: For the past 37 years, since 1989, Taipower has implemented summer electricity rates on an annual basis during the months from June through September. The summer electricity rate system is not actually a rate increase, and the average annual electricity rate remains unchanged.

Rather, air conditioner use during the summer months increases electricity consumption by 40% compared to that of non-summer months, resulting in higher utility bills for the public. However, 4.01 million users throughout Taiwan are not impacted, and for over 70% of users, the average rate remains at less than NT$3 per kWh. Meanwhile, the highest rate tier-NT$8.86 per kWh-applies only to the portion exceeding 1000 kWh. The average power consumption of over 97% of users nationwide is less than 1000 kWh, meaning that this rate tier does not apply to them.

A Taipower representative emphasized that residential summer electricity rates are implemented for a set period of 4 months each year during the summer season, and comprise a portion or the average electricity rate-they do not constitute a rate increase, and the average annual electricity price remains the same. To reflect the difference in the cost or supplying electricity during the summer and non-summer months, Taipower applies higher rates during the summer months and lower rates during non-summer months in accordance with the average electricity rate approved by the Electricity Tariff Review Committee, guiding customers to increase power consumption efficiency and promote energy conservation.

A Taipower representative explained that last year (2025), the average monthly electricity consumption per household in Taiwan was 308 kWh during the non-summer period. During the summer (June through September), due to the hotter temperature, monthly electricity consumption rose to 418 kWh per household, an increase of nearly 40% compared to the non-summer period, which also increased monthly electricity bills by approximately NT$446 on average. Of this amount, NT$326 (73%) arose from increased power consumption, whereas only NT$120 (27%) could be attributed to summer electricity rates.

A Taipower representative further explained that residential summer electricity rates are only applicable to customers with monthly power consumption of over 120 kWh. Nationwide, nearly 30% of customers-a total of 4.01 million households-consume an average of 120 kWh per month or less. If these customers maintain their ordinary power consumption habits, they will not be impacted by summer electricity rates in any way. An additional 40% of customers-a total of 5.2 million households-consume between 121-330 kWh of electricity monthly, resulting in a maximum cost increase of approximately NT$2 per day during the summer months. For more than 70% of users, the average rate per kWh remains below NT$3. The summer rate primarily impacts the 2.4% of residential customers whose monthly power consumption exceeds 1000 kWh. Taipower also called on these households to collectively conserve electricity.

In response to media reports claiming that this year’s summer electricity rate schedule is the most expensive in history, a Taipower representative explained that residential electricity rates are calculated using a progressive pricing structure, i.e., each consumption tier has its own set rate, and only the portion of electricity consumption exceeding a given tier is charged in accordance with the higher tier. For example, the rate for power consumption in excess of 1000 kWh is NT$8.86; if a customer’s power consumption is 1001 kWh, only the 1 kWh that exceeds 1000 kWh will be impacted. Moreover, over 97% of residential customers consume an average of 1000 kWh per month or less, so the NT$8.86 rate does not apply to them.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Business Director Chung Si-Si
Phone: (02) 2366-6650; 0922-483-804
E-mail: u149447@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

International conflicts have created a level of uncertainty surrounding the global energy supply. To increase the flexibility of natural gas dispatch and ensure a stable power supply, countries around the world have adopted short-term response measures to adjust their power generation structure. To strengthen energy dispatch resilience, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has instructed Taipower to temporarily dispatch Mai Liao Plant Units 1 and 3. A Taipower representative expressed that even with the short-term dispatch of Mai Liao Plant, annual coal consumption will not exceed the level from last year.

A Taipower representative explained that the government is making every effort to manage the natural gas supply. The domestic gas supply is currently adequate, and all generators are operating according to the established schedule. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has impacted the global energy supply. Major international natural gas facilities have been affected by the conflict, and it is difficult to restore operations in the short-term, which has intensified the risk to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply. Considering national energy security, countries such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, Thailand, and the Philippines have adopted adjustments to their power generation structure and increased coal-fired generation as an emergency measure in response to natural gas supply risks, aiming to reduce the impact of high natural gas prices on electricity prices and people’s lives.

A Taipower representative expressed that the future of the conflict in the Middle East remains uncertain. To assist CPC Corporation in increasing the flexibility of subsequent natural gas dispatch, Taipower has referred to the common practices of neighboring countries, and will be temporarily increasing coal-fired generation. Starting in May, Taipower will temporarily procure energy from Mai Liao units as needed. Nevertheless, annual coal consumption will not exceed the level from last year.

A Taipower representative explained that Units 1 and 3 of the privately-run Mai Liao Plant currently both have operating permits and power generation licenses and can legally operate. Additionally, wet electrostatic precipitators and other environmental protection improvement measures have been installed to further reduce air pollutant emissions. Taipower will maintain close communication with local governments, continue to pay attention to changes in the global energy situation, and progressively adjust its response measures to ensure that the public’s electricity demands are met.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Business Department Director Chung Si-Si
Phone: (02) 2366-6650; 0922-483-804
E-mail: u149447@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Power Dispatching Department Director Chou Fang-Cheng
Phone: (02) 2366-6600; 0952-810-417
E-mail: u027007@taipower.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme 2026-27 is now open for applications from Hong Kong students until September 21, the Education Bureau announced today.

The scheme will benefit eligible Hong Kong students pursuing undergraduate studies on the Mainland who have financial needs. It covers 217 designated Mainland institutions, including 165 that participated in the 2026-27 Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions.

While the scheme is not subject to a quota, applicants may only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year.

Subsidies are granted on a yearly basis. The subsidised period covers the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student.

Eligible students can submit their applications online or by post. The results are expected to be released in phases from the first quarter of 2027.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (July 20) detected two suspected cases of illegal importing of animals at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Three suspected illegally imported live cats with a total estimated market value of about $36,000 were seized.

Customs officers today intercepted a 59-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger and a 58-year-old incoming Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, two live cats and one live cat were seized from their backpacks respectively. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) today (July 20) commenced on the second day of the National Affairs Study Visit in Beijing. They attended exchange sessions and thematic seminars at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) to deepen their understanding on how to improve the quality of LegCo’s work, the holistic approach to national security and social governance, as well as the international economic and political landscape, thereby strengthening Members’ capability of broad and strategic thinking.

     In the morning, Members attended the opening ceremony for the Study Visit and a sharing session on how to improve the quality and standard of LegCo’s work. Members gained a profound understanding that, as an integral part of the governing team of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), they must perform their duties diligently and play a pivotal role in the reform and development of the HKSAR under the executive-led system. They must also respond to the citizens’ earnest expectations of LegCo Members through high-quality participation in politics and policy deliberation.

     In the afternoon, Members attended a thematic seminar to study the implementation of the holistic approach to national security for improving the standard of social governance. Through analysing various domestic and foreign cases about the risks to national security, Members learnt that when preventing and handling national security risks, risk assessment, organisational mobilisation, unified command, and emergency rescue are all key elements in achieving the overall secure development of society.

     Members then attended a thematic seminar on the analysis of the international relations landscape to gain further understanding on the current political turbulence and changes. Members also exchanged views and shared perspectives with the speaker on Hong Kong’s roles and responsibilities under the complex and ever-evolving international political landscape at present.

     In the evening, Members attended a welcome dinner at the NAG.

     Members will continue with the Study Visit programme tomorrow (July 21), which includes attending thematic seminars.

     Click here to watch the video highlight of today’s Study Visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 20) announced that a sample of iron goddess basque burnt cheesecake was found to contain an excessive amount of Bacillus cereus. The CFS is following up on the incident.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a bakery in Causeway Bay for testing. The test result showed that the sample contained Bacillus cereus at a level of 280 000 per gram. According to the Microbiological Guidelines for Food, if ready-to-eat food contains Bacillus cereus at a level of more than 100 000 per gram, it is considered unsatisfactory.”

The CFS instantly sent staff to the bakery concerned for an investigation, and has informed it of the irregularity. The bakery concerned has stopped selling and discarded the affected product according to the CFS’s instruction. The CFS has also provided education on food safety and hygiene to the staff of the bakery concerned, and requested that they carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection.

“Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea,” the spokesman said.

According to section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Customs on June 29 seized a large batch of suspected smuggled alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $12 million, at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound.

     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a 40-foot container, declared as carrying plastic lunch boxes, arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland. After inspection, Customs officers found 64 486 suspected smuggled alternative smoking products in the container.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against all kinds of smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
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     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 18) seized 11 live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport, with an estimated market value of about $205,000.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted a parcel declared to contain pet chew stick imported from Australia to Hong Kong yesterday. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species mix-loaded with pet products and concealed in multiple metal boxes in the parcel.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).