Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taipower has an inseparable relationship with the ocean. Since the construction of the No. 1 Nuclear Plant in 1971, Taipower has been engaged in exploration and research of marine ecology. This year (2026), Taipower celebrates its 80th anniversary. Today (May 26), Taipower held a special Ecological Sustainability Press Conference to look back on the Company’s concrete achievements in promoting oceanic survey and ecological conservation. Additionally, a documentary by famous underwater film director Yuan Hsu-Hu was screened for the first time, allowing audiences to peek at the beautiful seabed ecology beneath the power plant facilities through a camera lens.

Today, Taipower held the 2026 Ecological Sustainability Press Conference at the Taipower Building, with the theme Taipower 80: Coexisting with the Ocean. Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng presided, inviting distinguished scholars from the domestic marine ecology field, including Academia Sinica Academician Chen-Tung Arthur Chen; National Taiwan Ocean University Honorary Chair Professor Shao Kwang-Tsao; National Sun Yat-sen University Professor Fang Lee-Shing; Former Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council Huang Hsiang-Wen; National Sun Yat-sen University Professors Sung Ke-Yi, Chen Meng-Hsien, and Liu Li-Lien; National Taiwan Ocean University Professor Hwang Jiang-Shiou; and National Taiwan University Professors Sen Jan and Ko Chia-Ying. Taipower Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung also shared Taipower’s philosophy and achievements in marine research.

Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng expressed that because Taiwan’s large-scale electric power plants require the application of seawater to conduct heat exchange, they are constructed close to the ocean; at the same time, Taipower gives back to the ocean through concrete actions. Wherever power plants exist, they are accompanied by Taipower marine ecology research projects. Under the long-term supervision of countless scholars, Taipower has engaged in continuous exploration and protection of marine ecology. Taipower has also made its years of accumulated ecological survey data available through open platforms to facilitate cooperation with all sectors of society and teach everyone more about the ocean.

Academia Sinica Academician Chen-Tung Arthur Chen expressed that the representativeness of data is key in marine surveys. The six survey stations outside the No. 3 Nuclear Plant have never changed positions, and have accumulated over 30 years of long-term monitoring data, which even shows the Pacific decadal oscillation. These solid data are trusted not only within scientific circles but also among the general population. Former Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council Huang Hsiang-Wen expressed congratulations to Taipower for being honored among the first batch of certified marine OECMs, and expressed hope that Taipower’s contributions to ecological conservation will become an industrywide model, inspiring more companies to collectively invest in and peacefully coexist with nature.

A Taipower representative explained that Taiwan’s first large-scale marine ecological research project was launched in 1972, focusing on the marine ecology surrounding the No. 1 Nuclear Plant. Subsequently, Taipower also embraced the same research spirit, progressively expanding its ecological practices to other power generation sites, and engaging in long-term collaboration with scholars and experts professionals. The Company is devoted to constructing power facilities that coexist with ecology, while accumulating precious survey monitoring data and results.

Taking the No. 3 Nuclear Plant as an example, through scientific studies of corals, researchers have discovered a model for the coexistence of corals and power plant operations. Additionally, they have discovered extremely rare heat-resistant corals inside power plant water outlets, which provide new possibilities for coral restoration in the face of global warming. Taipower has also cooperated with the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium to conduct underwater recording and monitoring of coral spawning in the waters of South Bay. Moreover, the No. 3 Nuclear Plant survey stations have operated continuously for over 30 years, accumulating long-term and stable observation data on the Kuroshio current, which is helpful for understanding changes in ocean currents and fishery distributions. This not only provides an important foundation for marine ecology conservation and research but also benefits local fisheries.

In recent years, Taiwan’s development of offshore wind power and other emerging energy sources has prompted Taipower to active research how to coexist with marine ecology. A Taipower representative pointed out that the underwater foundation of the Taipower Changhua Phase 1 Offshore Wind Power Project already displays the fish-attracting effect of an artificial reef, and has attracting many species of reef fish to nest there. Taipower’s Phase 1 Offshore Wind Power Project has obtained OECMs certification from the Ocean Conservation Administration, making Taipower part of the first batch of state-owned enterprises to receive marine OECMs certification.

In recent years, Taipower has also transformed its long-term accumulation of ecological observations into moving stories through documentary filmmaking, successively releasing the ecological documentaries Taiwan’s “Wild Bird” Power Station, set in the Yongan Wetlands surrounding the Hsinta Power Plant in Kaohsiung, and The Great Bat Relocation Project, featuring the Taixi Wind Farm in Yunlin. Today also marked the first public screening of Director Yuan Hsu-Hu’s documentary That is What the Ocean Has Taught Us. Filmed onsite at the Lanyu Storage Site, the seawater intake of the No. 3 Nuclear Plant, the Phase 1 Offshore Wind Farm, and Hsieh-ho Power Plant, the film gives the public an opportunity to see Taipower’s investment in marine ecology conservation, as well as the tangible results.

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

Contact Person: Department of Environmental Protection Director Wu Cheng-Hung
Phone: (02) 2366-7200; 0927-291-156
E-mail: u015279@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The award ceremony for Asia’s most prestigious CSR award-the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)-was held last night (June 26) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Today (June 27), a Taipower representative announced that this year, Taipower received awards in the categories of Green Leadership and Investment in People for its efforts in deep energy saving and workplace equality. Taipower was also internationally recognized for its sustainability performance for the ninth consecutive year since 2018, demonstrating that, while ensuring a stable power supply, Taipower also actively practices corporate social responsibility through energy saving, carbon reduction, and creating a happy workplace.
The AREA program, organized by Enterprise Asia, is now in its 16th year, and is one of the most actively participated sustainability award programs in Asia. More than 1000 companies and projects spanning 19 Asian countries and markets have received AREA recognition over the years. The award categories include Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Governance, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Green Leadership, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Responsible Digital Practice, Social Empowerment, Sustainable Investing, and Responsible Business Leadership.

Continuing its streak from the previous 4 years, this year, Taipower was once again honored with the Green Leadership award for its theme: Deep Energy Saving-Comprehensively Upgrading Sustainability. Taipower has actively responded to the deep energy saving trend by improving internal energy consumption-using its status as one of Taiwan’s major corporations to lead smaller companies by example. To promote energy efficiency, Taipower has also collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, experts, and scholars to jointly promote deep energy saving, assisting various industries in introducing energy management systems, replacing high-consumption equipment with energy efficient models, and adjusting energy usage habits, thereby appropriately and reasonably allocating electricity demand to increase grid resilience.

Internally, Taipower actively sets energy saving strategies, promotes energy saving behaviors, and introduces energy management systems. In 2025, the Company’s substantial accumulated energy savings reached 4,153,661 kWh. Externally, Taipower leverages its customer service, trains professional energy saving personnel, conducts energy saving site visits, and provides energy saving diagnostic services. Intelligent meter infrastructure is paired with the High Voltage Customer Service Portal to analyze power data, helping customers in each consumption tier to accurately identify their energy drains. Taipower also guides users to adjust their usage habits; replace outdated chillers, air conditioners, and lighting equipment; and seek cooperation with energy service companies, thereby assisting companies in implementing their energy saving improvement plans. In 2025, energy saving site visits assisted customers in identifying potential energy savings of up to 116.5 million kWh. Taipower also entered communities, households, and campuses, using diverse methods to promote energy saving education, transforming energy saving practices and low-carbon lifestyles into civic responsibilities, leading companies and communities to continuously practice the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and jointly stride toward a net-zero Taiwan.

This year, Taipower was also once again recognized with the AREA Investment in People award for its theme: Workplace Equality-Building a Thriving Power Industry, which emphasizes talent development as the foundation for the Company’s long-term sustainability. By promoting gender equality, emphasizing workplace safety and ensuring equal opportunity, Taipower has constructed an environment where everyone can develop their strengths regardless of gender, and created an equitable, healthy, and happy workplace where every employee can work with peace of mind and continue to grow.

A Taipower representative emphasized that to build a family-friendly workplace where people are brave enough to marry, willing to have children, and able to happily raise a family, Taipower provides benefits such as marriage subsidies, childbirth subsidies, and childcare allowances. Taipower has established Workplace Mutual Aid and Childcare Centers in seven locations throughout northern, central, and southern Taiwan, and cooperates with 84 childcare organizations to substantially relieve colleagues’ burdens. Additionally, the Taipower Women’s Power ESG Movement strengthens women’s participation in decision-making. Taipower also holds gender diversity training courses as part of its commitment to building a friendly workplace and a working environment that ensures gender equality.

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

Contact Person: Department of Business Planning Director Kuo Chiu-Ying
Phone: (02) 2366-6440; 0978-105-282
E-mail: u004770@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taipower held its 2026 Annual General Meeting today (June 26), explaining to shareholders that last year the Company benefited from the stabilization of international fuel prices along with various initiatives to strengthen financial operations; as a result, the Company’s pre-tax net profit reached NT$75.6 billion, ending 3 consecutive years of losses. However, the Company still has accumulated losses of over NT$350 billion. A Taipower representative expressed that tensions in the Middle East, have caused fuel prices to skyrocket yet again. Taipower will continue to closely monitor the situation and carefully adapt, while taking measures to strengthen financial and operational performance, seeking government support, and exploring banks’ credit policies for resources to improve its finances.

Taipower’s 2026 Annual General Meeting took place today, chaired by Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng, with President Kuo Tien-He presenting the 2025 business report to shareholders. The agenda also included announcements regarding last year’s corporate bond issuance and approval of last year’s financial report, business report, and the allocation of funds to cover losses.

A Taipower representative explained that last year, as international fuel prices stabilized, Taipower expanded its income and reduced expenditures through various measures, including adjustment of electricity prices, continued enhancement of fuel procurement and management, activation of real estate assets, and equity investments in other enterprises. Last year, Taipower’s total revenue was NT$972.6 billion, while expenditures reached NT$897 billion. The pre-tax net profit was NT$75.6 billion, and after deducting income tax, the post-tax profit amounted to NT$74.6 billion. As of the end of last year, the accumulated losses totaled NT$351.1 billion.

A Taipower representative pointed out that between January and April of this year, the Company’s losses amounted to NT$9 billion, a reduction of 70% or NT$22.5 billion compared to the same period last year. However, due to geopolitical impacts such as the conflict in the Middle East, international fuel prices are once again increasing. CPC Corporation raised natural gas prices for the power sector in both April and May, leading to an increase in Taipower’s fuel costs for power generation. Taipower will closely monitor fuel price fluctuations and simultaneously move forward with fuel procurement strategies. The Company aims to strengthen its financial structure by increasing income while reducing expenditures, and will strive to minimize losses while continue to seek resources to improve its financial situation.

Regarding this year’s power supply situation, Taipower is actively promoting the construction of gas-fired units. Four planned new units (totaling 5.2 million kilowatts) will be gradually brought online. Among them, the new Unit 1 of the Taichung Power Plant has entered the full-load testing stage; the new Unit 2 of the Taichung Power Plant and the new Unit 3 of the Hsinta Power Plant have also successively begun grid connection tests, for a combined installation capacity of 3.9 million kilowatts, which will be integrated into the electricity supply this summer. The new Unit 2 of the Hsinta Power Plant will join the power supply array before the end of this year. These new units will be paired with pumped-storage hydropower, energy storage systems, demand-side management, and other diverse dispatch methods to ensure that there are no power supply concerns, thereby supporting the people of Taiwan in their everyday lives, industrial development, and urban competitiveness.

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

Contact Person: Secretary Office of the Board, Chief Secretary Cheng Shou-Fu
Phone: (02) 2366-6210; 0900-781-357
E-mail: u026726@taipower.com.tw

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