Pressure to Raise Electricity Prices in October? Premier Cho Prioritizes Public Stability
In response to lawmakers' concerns about a potential electricity price hike in October, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated on the 20th that while state-run Taipower's finances need review after absorbing LNG price surges, the government's priority is to stabilize public livelihood. The final decision, he added, rests with a review committee. The inquiry also touched on defense issues, including delays in the delivery of MK-48 torpedoes and the handover schedule for the indigenous submarine, Hai Kun.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 19:57
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(CNA, Taipei, 20th, by reporter Chen Chun-hua) Lawmakers are concerned about potential pressure to raise electricity prices in October. Premier Cho Jung-tai said today that Taipower's financial situation deserves review due to its absorption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) price increases. With the current war situation unclear, the Executive Yuan's stance is to prioritize stabilizing public livelihood, but any adjustment to electricity prices will be decided by the review committee.
The Legislative Yuan invited Premier Cho, Director-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics Chu Tzer-ming, Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo, and other ministry heads for a session this afternoon. They reported on the compilation of the special budget for the first batch of procurements under the plan to defend national security and enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities, and took questions.
KMT Legislator Wang Hung-wei stated during questioning that Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng had mentioned that due to the ongoing US-Iran war, both CPC Corporation and Taipower are incurring losses, creating pressure for a price hike in October. However, she argued that it is inappropriate for Taipower to discuss raising prices when it is losing money yet still has funds to change its logo.
In response, Premier Cho said that because Taipower has absorbed a significant burden from LNG price hikes, its financial situation indeed warrants a review. With the current war situation unclear, the Executive Yuan's position is to prioritize stabilizing public livelihood, but the final decision on how to adjust electricity prices rests with the review committee. He believes the committee will also consider overall societal demand and the stability of public life.
Additionally, Wang Hung-wei expressed concern over the severe delay in the delivery of MK-48 heavy-weight torpedoes, which were originally scheduled to be fully delivered this year. Minister Koo stated that the original plan was to receive all units by 2026, but due to production line delays by the contractor, the delivery schedule will be adjusted. While further negotiations with the US will take place, deliveries are not expected to begin until 2028.
Regarding the handover of the Hai Kun submarine, Koo stated that the Ministry of National Defense has never set a specific month for the handover. Relevant tests and verifications must be conducted under conditions of safety and quality that meet requirements. Diving and submerged navigation tests have been conducted multiple times, and dummy torpedo verification is complete. Subsequent steps will follow the requirements of the relevant test and verification procedure documents.
Koo said that both CSBC Corporation and the Navy hope for a swift completion, but from the Ministry of National Defense's standpoint, the handover can only proceed when safety and quality requirements are met. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150520
The Legislative Yuan invited Premier Cho, Director-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics Chu Tzer-ming, Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo, and other ministry heads for a session this afternoon. They reported on the compilation of the special budget for the first batch of procurements under the plan to defend national security and enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities, and took questions.
KMT Legislator Wang Hung-wei stated during questioning that Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng had mentioned that due to the ongoing US-Iran war, both CPC Corporation and Taipower are incurring losses, creating pressure for a price hike in October. However, she argued that it is inappropriate for Taipower to discuss raising prices when it is losing money yet still has funds to change its logo.
In response, Premier Cho said that because Taipower has absorbed a significant burden from LNG price hikes, its financial situation indeed warrants a review. With the current war situation unclear, the Executive Yuan's position is to prioritize stabilizing public livelihood, but the final decision on how to adjust electricity prices rests with the review committee. He believes the committee will also consider overall societal demand and the stability of public life.
Additionally, Wang Hung-wei expressed concern over the severe delay in the delivery of MK-48 heavy-weight torpedoes, which were originally scheduled to be fully delivered this year. Minister Koo stated that the original plan was to receive all units by 2026, but due to production line delays by the contractor, the delivery schedule will be adjusted. While further negotiations with the US will take place, deliveries are not expected to begin until 2028.
Regarding the handover of the Hai Kun submarine, Koo stated that the Ministry of National Defense has never set a specific month for the handover. Relevant tests and verifications must be conducted under conditions of safety and quality that meet requirements. Diving and submerged navigation tests have been conducted multiple times, and dummy torpedo verification is complete. Subsequent steps will follow the requirements of the relevant test and verification procedure documents.
Koo said that both CSBC Corporation and the Navy hope for a swift completion, but from the Ministry of National Defense's standpoint, the handover can only proceed when safety and quality requirements are met. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150520