Feitsui Reservoir Water Fee Dispute Resolved? Taipower Proposes Surcharge Rate Negotiation

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipower, and the Taipei City government held discussions yesterday regarding the water consumption fee for the Feitsui Reservoir. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated today that for additional power generation, Taipower will follow existing models used at other reservoirs, treating it as a general case rather than basing it on water consumption fees. Taipower added that they are considering a 'surcharge rate' for negotiation, though the amount will be lower than the city government's initial proposal. Previously, the Feitsui Reservoir Administration intended to charge 3 TWD per ton as a water consumption compensation fee, but Taipower expressed difficulty in agreeing due to concerns over the fairness of power purchase costs. The Ministry of Economic Affairs also noted that water consumption fees are central government taxes, making the administration's plan legally questionable. Minister Kung stated that if hydropower falls within the original contract, it should be handled accordingly; otherwise, it should be negotiated based on existing models. Taipower spokesperson Huang Mei-lien confirmed the surcharge approach. Additionally, regarding the Beitou Shilin Technology Park (Beishike) Wenlin substation, the city and Taipower reached an agreement to use an 'underground transformer design' with a construction period of 6-7 years, while deploying a temporary substation to meet immediate power needs. Minister Kung praised the communication as productive.