[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Jeongeup City, Jeonbuk Province, will provide a "Cold Wave Response Energy Special Support Fund" amounting to approximately 11.13 billion KRW.
As of the 31st of last month, among 54,485 households, 3,839 vulnerable elderly and single-parent households will receive support funded by provincial subsidies (approximately 770 million KRW), while the remaining general households will receive 200,000 KRW per household, totaling about 10.36 billion KRW, funded by the city (disaster contingency funds), the city announced on the 8th.
This initiative aims to alleviate the economic burden on citizens struggling due to the unprecedented cold wave and rising energy prices.
Mayor Lee Hak-su, Jeongeup City Council Chairman Ko Kyung-yoon, and other council leaders held a press conference in the city hall's medium conference room to announce the main points of the plan and support measures.
During the briefing, Mayor Lee explained, "Considering the prolonged unusual cold wave and increased heating costs due to rising public utility fees, which have placed a heavy economic burden not only on households but also on small business owners, we decided to provide support to all households after consultation with the Jeongeup City Council."
The support fund will be distributed in the form of Jeongeup Love Gift Certificates to ensure swift and effective use.
This allows essential living expenses to be covered with local currency, which can only be used at affiliated stores within the region, thus greatly contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.
The card can be used immediately upon receipt and is valid until June 30th at approximately 4,200 affiliated Jeongeup Love Gift Certificate stores within the region, excluding entertainment and gambling businesses.
Applications can be submitted by visiting the local township or neighborhood offices of each household's address for four weeks starting from the 20th.
The city plans to operate a system applying a five-day rotation based on the last digit of the applicant's birth date to manage the expected high volume of applicants during the application period. Additionally, a visiting payment service will be provided for citizens with mobility difficulties and severely disabled individuals who find it difficult to visit in person.
Mayor Lee Hak-su stated, "I hope that the Cold Wave Response Energy Special Support Fund will not only ease the economic burden on households facing increased fuel costs due to rising gas and electricity public utility fees but also help revitalize the local economy."
Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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