Taipower Celebrates 80th Anniversary; President Lai: Illuminating Infinite Possibilities with Every Kilowatt-Hour

(CNA reporter Tseng Yun-ting, Taipei, 30th) Taipower held its 80th-anniversary celebration today, with President Lai Ching-te in attendance. He stated that Taipower's stable power supply supports industrial development and social operations, not only lighting up Taiwan but also illuminating infinite possibilities and hope with every kilowatt-hour. Looking ahead, with the rapid development of AI and semiconductors, coupled with stronger-than-expected economic growth, Taiwan's electricity demand is increasing rapidly. The government will continue to promote three major tasks: the second energy transition, to "ensure stable power support wherever technology develops," strengthening power grid resilience, and improving Taipower's professionalism and care for its employees. Taipower held its 80th-anniversary celebration this morning, with President Lai Ching-te personally attending, witnessing this important milestone with Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin, The Chugoku Electric Power Chairman Shigeru Ashiya, Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng, and distinguished guests from all sectors. President Lai stated in his address that while the emcee did not introduce him as a member of the Taipower family, "I am Taipower's son-in-law, and thus considered a member of the Taipower family. Today, I express my gratitude to everyone in that capacity." President Lai pointed out that Taipower has been established for 80 years, with over 30,000 employees and an average age of only 42, demonstrating the continuous vitality of the enterprise. From the opening dance performance, "I think Taipower wants to convey the message: just dance, no power outages." He said that Taipower's documentary footage faithfully presents the daily work of Taipower employees, whether climbing mountains, delving into generator units, or standing on top of wind turbines over 200 meters high, all demonstrating the indomitable spirit of Taipower people in facing geographical challenges, "determined to illuminate infinite hope with every kilowatt-hour," which deeply moved him. President Lai emphasized that Taipower not only supplies electricity but is also a crucial force supporting families, industries, and social stability. From post-war reconstruction to economic take-off, and from export processing to the global semiconductor industry, Taipower has always stably supported Taiwan's development. During his speech, President Lai also singled out Kuomintang legislator Lin Te-fu and Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chung Chia-pin, expressing hope that committee members would provide more support when Taipower-related issues are deliberated in the Legislative Yuan, especially speaking up for Taipower when budget proposals do not pass smoothly. President Lai also mentioned Uni-President Lions Head Coach Lin Yueh-ping, who came from Taipower, and stated that since he gained energy at Taipower today, "the Uni-President Lions should have no reason not to win the championship." 感Inspired by the hard work of Taipower personnel, President Lai stated that whenever typhoons strike, Taipower is always fully prepared for emergency repairs. Taking last year's Typhoon Danas as an example, it caused 3,499 power poles to collapse, the most severe record in history. At that time, Taipower mobilized over 90% of its national emergency repair personnel, more than 2,000 people concentrated in Tainan and Chiayi, to restore civilian power in the shortest possible time. During this process, one person unfortunately sacrificed their life, demonstrating the sense of mission and dedication of Taipower employees. He further stated that during the 9-day Chinese New Year holiday this year, over 4,000 Taipower employees remained on duty daily, and during the period of lowest annual electricity consumption, about 600 people were mobilized for major unit overhauls, demonstrating a spirit of year-round, dedicated service to the public. Looking ahead, President Lai stated that with the rapid development of AI, semiconductors, and various advanced technologies, coupled with economic growth expected to exceed forecasts, Taiwan's electricity demand will continue to increase rapidly. The government will more actively promote three tasks. First, promoting the second energy transition. President Lai stated that energy security is national security, and electricity is national power. The government will actively develop diverse green energy, deep energy conservation, and smart energy storage to ensure stable and resilient energy supply, and steadily move towards the net-zero transition goal, ensuring stable power support wherever technology develops. Second, strengthening power grid resilience. President Lai pointed out that in August last year, at the Presidential Office's National Climate Change Response Committee, he had requested Taipower to advance the completion of critical projects for the power grid resilience plan, originally scheduled for 10 years, by four years to 2028. Currently, nationwide power outages have decreased from a peak of 21,019 incidents in 2012 to 6,191 incidents last year, a reduction of about 70%. Over ten thousand feeders nationwide have also completed automation, allowing for immediate detection and isolation of fault sections during incidents, greatly improving power restoration efficiency. In the future, disaster resilience, smart grids, and underground cabling projects will continue to be promoted. Third, improving Taipower's professionalism and care. President Lai stated that Taipower's professionalism and sense of mission are important assets for Taiwan. The government will continue to provide support in talent, human resources, training, and working environment to make employees safer and provide better services to the public. President Lai emphasized that 80 years is not only a milestone for Taipower but also for Taiwan. He looks forward to Taipower and the government continuing to work hand in hand, allowing the Taipower spirit, technology, and sense of mission to be passed down through generations, "lighting up Taiwan together, illuminating infinite possibilities with one kilowatt-hour." (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150430