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Green appliances are sought after as energy costs rise

As the price of electricity has risen since last Wednesday, many people have begun to show a preference for energy-saving items when purchasing household electrical appliances, stores said on Saturday.

“Recently, almost all the customers visiting our stores have chosen energy-saving electrical appliances,” said a saleswoman at U-Lite 3C (上新聯晴), a major appliance chain store.

“If you can save money on your energy bill and receive a government subsidy at the same time, why not [buy energy-saving electrical appliances]?” she said, adding that an energy-saving refrigerator can save up to 40 percent on electricity costs compared with a traditional one.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) began subsidizing purchases of energy-saving equipment last Wednesday — a program that will run through March 31 — in order to boost the energy-saving industry and encourage people to buy eco-friendly appliances.

Only purchases of Taiwan-made refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines bearing energy-saving labels are entitled to a subsidy of NT$2,000 (US$62) per item.

The energy-saving label is granted by the ministry’s Bureau of Energy for products with energy efficiency that is 10 percent to 50 percent higher than normal standards.

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang (施顏祥) said the program will cost the government an estimated NT$530 million.

He also noted that the project will help save about 41.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 26,000 tonnes over a year — 69 times the quantity absorbed by Daan Forest Park.

Even if the public’s preference for energy-saving products is obvious, not everyone is prepared to buy locally made products, said a salesman of Tsann Kuen 3C (燦坤), another chain store.

“Many of our clients prefer imported refrigerators, especially those from Japan, which are, they believe, more energy-efficient and a better buy,” he said.

The state-run Taiwan Power Co (Taipower, 台電) raised the cost of electricity on Wednesday. However, because it is the end of the peak summer season, people will not necessarily be paying higher energy bills, said Yeh Huey-ching (葉惠青), director-general of the Bureau of Energy. But compared to the same period last year, the cost will be slightly higher.
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