Rumor Debunked: Less Than 1% of Residential Users on Time-of-Use Tariff, Says Taipower

(Central News Agency, reporter Xie Yixuan, Taipei, June 4) As the summer electricity tariff for residential users takes effect in June, a rumor has been circulating online claiming that residential users are on a time-of-use tariff, leading many to mistakenly believe their bills are calculated that way. Taipower stated that out of 13.97 million residential accounts in Taiwan, only 105,000 have adopted the time-of-use tariff, accounting for less than 1% of the total.

Recently, an incorrect infographic circulated online, stating that residential users are on a 'residential simple three-stage time-of-use tariff' during summer, causing widespread misunderstanding. However, Taipower's official website indicates that as of the end of 2025, there were approximately 13.97 million residential accounts, of which 105,000 had chosen the time-of-use tariff, representing about 0.75% of all residential accounts, or less than 1%.

A 'time-of-use tariff' applies different rates depending on the time of day, with the highest rates during peak hours and the lowest during off-peak hours. According to Taipower's website, general households can choose between a non-time-of-use tariff (i.e., a progressive tariff) or a time-of-use tariff. Because general households consume less electricity and use less during off-peak hours, most are billed under the progressive tariff.

Taipower's statistics show that last year, total residential electricity consumption was about 50.9 billion kWh, of which accounts on the time-of-use tariff consumed about 2 billion kWh. Small shops consumed about 18.7 billion kWh, with those on the time-of-use tariff consuming nearly 8.8 billion kWh, a proportion of nearly 50%. Taipower noted that while the number of accounts on the time-of-use tariff is still small, their share of electricity consumption is significant.

As for which users are suitable for the time-of-use tariff, Taipower recommends that users with monthly consumption exceeding 800 kWh, or those with larger consumption scales, evaluate the option.

Taipower reminded the public that they can confirm their billing method in three ways: by checking their bill or the Taipower app to see if they are a 'non-commercial lighting' user without the 'time-of-use tariff' label; by confirming they have not actively applied for the time-of-use tariff; or by calling Taipower's 24-hour customer service hotline at 1911 and inquiring with their account number or address. (Editor: Lin Shuyuan) 1150604