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Minister soothes Penghu on water and electricity

Vice Economic Affairs Minister Hou Ho-shong (侯和雄) yesterday gave his word that he would assist Penghu in soliciting government subsidies to improve water quality on the outlying county.

Hou made the remarks while inspecting the water and power facilities in Penghu along with Commission of National Corporations executive director Wu Fong-sheng (吳豐盛).

Hou was confident that Taiwan Power Co and Taiwan Water Corp could continue providing the same quality service to the outlying islands as Taiwan proper uses despite losing money every year in Penghu.

He said his trip was mainly to learn more about Penghu's energy supply-and-demand situation and to find out what assistance Taipower and Taiwan Water Corp needed.

Taiwan Water Corp's Penghu branch said that the company loses NT$200 million (US$5.79 million) a year on the island and suggested that the Ministry of Economic Affairs provide subsidies. In addition, quality improvement work at six water purification plants in several Penghu villages will require NT$330 million in funds.

Hou promised to report the matter to Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Mei-yueh (何美玥).

He also praised Taipower's Penghu branch for providing a steady supply of electricity despite losing money. He especially lauded its energy conservation efforts which have been rated the best in the nation.

Penghu could also strengthen its efforts in employing alternative sources of energy, such as wind power, tidal and solar power, Hou said, adding that the ministry will assist in installing solar power collection equipment.

Hou also inspected a seawater desalination plant, saying that Penghu could serve as a model for the rest of the Taiwan, noting that the government is currently studying the feasibility of setting up a desalination plant in Taoyuan to solve the county's persistent water shortage problem once and for all.
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