Reducing Electricity Burden for Farmers: Council of Agriculture Launches Subsidy Program for Agricultural Lighting Electricity Basic Rate Increase

In response to the Taiwan Power Company (hereinafter Taipower) adjusting the 'lighting electricity tariff' basic rate starting September 1, 114 (2025), which has led to increased electricity costs for agricultural users with low or zero consumption due to crop rotation (wet/dry), fallow fields, suspended cultivation, or halted aquaculture, the Council of Agriculture announced today (28) that the 'Subsidy Program for the Increase in Agricultural Lighting Electricity Basic Rate' has been officially approved by the Executive Yuan on July 17, 115 (2026). This measure will subsidize the difference caused by the rate increase, ensuring that the rights and interests of grassroots farmers are protected.

Recognizing Agricultural Seasonality: Up to NT$129 per billing cycle, NT$774 annually

The Council of Agriculture explained that agricultural production is highly seasonal and unique, with farmers often experiencing months of extremely low or zero electricity usage due to practices such as crop rotation, fallow periods, suspended farming, or halted aquaculture. Taipower has announced an increase in the basic rate for lighting electricity from NT$35.6 (within 20 kWh) to NT$100 (within 56.1 kWh) per month. It is initially estimated that approximately 168,000 agricultural electricity users will be affected, accounting for over 73.5% of all agricultural lighting tariff users (228,000 total).

To mitigate the impact of the electricity price adjustment on farmers, the Council of Agriculture is implementing a subsidy program. Households using less than 56.1 kWh in any given month will receive a subsidy for the difference in the increased basic rate. With electricity bills issued every two months (one cycle), the maximum subsidy per cycle is NT$129, and up to six cycles per year means a maximum annual subsidy of NT$774 per household. The actual subsidy amount varies based on individual electricity usage.

Eligible recipients include agricultural electricity users across six major categories: crop cultivation, animal husbandry, agricultural and livestock services, fishing, aquaculture, and irrigation (farmland water management).

No Application Required, No Travel Needed! Direct Deduction by Taipower, Clearly Marked on Bills

The Council of Agriculture emphasized that, similar to the existing frozen electricity rate subsidy mechanism for agriculture and fisheries, the central government will directly disburse the tariff difference to Taipower, allowing farmers to receive the subsidy without submitting additional applications or documents. The Council has requested Taipower to clearly label electricity bills with the notation 'Council of Agriculture Basic Rate Subsidy' to ensure farmers can operate without concern. For more details, please visit the official website of the 'Council of Agriculture's Agricultural and Food Agency'.