Taipower: Over 97% of users consume under 1000 kWh, avoiding the 8.86 TWD rate

Residential summer electricity rates take effect today. In response to media reports claiming these are the highest rates in history, Taipower explained that the 8.86 TWD rate for consumption over 1001 kWh applies only to the portion exceeding that threshold. Over 97% of residential users have an average consumption below 1000 kWh and will not be subject to this bracket. Taipower issued a press release clarifying that residential electricity follows a progressive billing system, where higher rates apply only to usage beyond specific tiers. Since 1989, Taipower has implemented summer rates from June to September to reflect seasonal supply costs and encourage conservation, not to raise overall prices. Last year, summer usage increased by nearly 40% compared to non-summer months, leading to an average monthly bill increase of 446 TWD, of which only 120 TWD (27%) was due to the summer rate adjustment. Taipower noted that only 2.4% of users exceed 1000 kWh and urged them to conserve energy.