DPP Legislator Tsai Chih-chang (蔡其昌) said the party’s position remained that state-run companies such as Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) should review their operational efficiency and cost structure before raising service prices.
The TSU holds a similar position and party whip Hsu Chung-hsin (許忠信) told a separate press conference that the party did not rule out boycotting Taipower’s budgetary review if the company failed to improve its operational efficiency.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ decision on Monday was like “pouring gasoline on a fire” because prices were already going to be increased for the four-month summer period starting on June 1, Hsu said.
The TSU said it opposed Taipower’s distribution of lucrative bonuses to it employees and its poor management performance.
“Private independent power producers are able to generate profits with better management. Why can’t Taipower do the same?” TSU Legislator Huang Wen-ling (黃文玲) asked.
In related news, Premier Sean Chen misspoke in answering questions from lawmakers during a question-and-answer session when he said there would not be a second hike in electricity prices from June 1 to the end of September.
Chen clarified his remarks later.
In a statement last night, the Executive Yuan confirmed after the increased electricity prices are introduced next month, prices would rise again over the summer in accordance with standard annual practice — a 12 percent surcharge over the non-summer electricity rate.
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