Suwon City Provides Emergency Heating Cost Support to Vulnerable Groups Excluded from Government Aid

Lee Jae-jun, Mayor of Suwon (right), is discussing with the responsible officials on the 31st regarding heating cost support for vulnerable groups. Photo by Suwon City

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province will provide emergency heating cost support to vulnerable groups excluded from the central government and Gyeonggi Province's heating cost support measures.

On the 31st, Suwon City held the "Suwon City Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting on Emergency Living Support for Vulnerable Groups," chaired by Mayor Lee Jae-jun at the City Hall Disaster Safety Situation Room, where the "Suwon City Emergency Living Stability Support Target Decision Plan for Vulnerable Groups" was reviewed and approved.

At the meeting, Suwon City prepared the "Saebit Heating Cost Support Plan" to provide heating cost support to vulnerable groups who do not receive heating cost support from the government or Gyeonggi Province.

The support plan mainly involves providing emergency heating cost support of 200,000 KRW (for December and January) in early February to about 8,000 basic livelihood security households who do not receive the "Energy Voucher," and providing 200,000 KRW at the end of February to near-poverty households after verifying overlapping eligibility and accounts.

The Energy Voucher program is a system that supports energy-vulnerable groups by issuing energy vouchers (coupons) to purchase electricity, city gas, district heating, kerosene, and other fuels.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun said, "Vulnerable residents are facing great difficulties due to soaring heating costs," and urged, "Ensure that no citizens are excluded from support and provide accurate information to the eligible recipients."

Meanwhile, vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, basic livelihood security recipients, and near-poverty households can receive discounts on electricity and gas bills, but when moving, they must reapply for the discount at the local administrative welfare center of their new residence.