Seongdong-gu, Why Did They Provide Early Heating Cost Support Last Year-End?

In mid-December last year, 40 million KRW in donations were used to provide 50,000 KRW per household to 7,650 vulnerable households to ease heating cost burdens

By the 17th of this month, 100,000 KRW will be provided to 1,343 low-income households, including single-parent families, with additional heating support for single mothers and fathers

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) anticipated that the rapid increase in public utility fees would make life more difficult for vulnerable groups than in previous years, and in December last year, provided 50,000 KRW for heating costs to a total of 7,650 households.

According to quarterly data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, gas wholesale prices for residential use rose 38.4% in four increments last year. The actual heating cost in December last year was 1.54 times higher compared to December 2021. While heating is essential due to the sudden cold wave, the heating cost burden is significant for low-income households.

In response, Seongdong-gu took proactive measures. On December 12 last year, using 400 million KRW raised by the Seongdong Sharing Network from local businesses and residents, 50,000 KRW was provided to a total of 7,650 vulnerable households including basic livelihood security recipients, single-parent families, and low-income disabled persons.

Additionally, by the 17th of this month, 100,000 KRW will be provided to 1,343 vulnerable households excluded from Seoul City's heating cost support, including Seoul-type basic livelihood security recipients, single-parent families, and low-income groups. Heating and cooling cost support will also continue for single mother and father households in the area. Households raising children under 18 years old will receive 50,000 KRW twice, once in winter and once in summer.

Along with this, an additional 300,000 KRW per month for two months will be provided for heating costs to 22 elementary after-school care centers (Ikum Nuriter) and local children's centers. Furthermore, 59 private and home daycare centers will receive monthly heating and cooling cost support ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 KRW for six months during winter (December to February) and summer (June to August). Heating costs will also be supported for senior centers, welfare facilities for the disabled, and elderly welfare centers to ensure a warm winter.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “The recent surge in heating costs makes winter even colder for vulnerable groups. We are grateful to be able to provide essential help to neighbors in need and will continue to seek support measures so that all residents can have a warm winter.”