If City Gas Usage Drops 20% This Winter, Gas Bill Decreases by 88,900 Won

Emergency Economic Ministers' Meeting
Plans to Expand Support and Savings Campaigns for Energy Efficiency in Winter

The government is expanding a nationwide energy-saving campaign to reduce winter energy costs in response to the increasing heating demand. Through comprehensive promotional activities and campaigns, it aims to shift public awareness and strengthen saving measures.

On the 5th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it discussed the "Winter Energy Efficiency Support and Saving Campaign Expansion Plan" at the Emergency Economic Ministers' Meeting.

Earlier, the government announced the "Winter Heating Cost Support and Energy Saving Measures" on the 2nd. This included adding daycare centers to the urban gas fee reduction targets and raising the energy voucher support amount to 304,000 KRW.

With temperatures dropping in December, the government recognized the need to strengthen heating cost support and promote nationwide efforts for energy saving, leading to the preparation of this plan.

First, by participating in the urban gas cashback program, households can reduce gas bills by 88,900 KRW (cashback 16,000 KRW + bill reduction 72,900 KRW, for a household using 400㎥) if they cut gas usage by 20% during the winter season (December to March).

Following gas bills, installment payments will also be implemented for electricity bills during the winter season (December to February). After paying 50% of the monthly billed amount, the remaining balance can be paid evenly over 2 to 6 months. Additionally, energy public enterprises such as the Korea Energy Agency, Korea Gas Corporation, and Korea District Heating Corporation will lead the formation of a "Heating Efficiency Improvement Support Team" to conduct on-site inspections, consulting, and equipment replacement support for vulnerable sites such as old buildings.

Voluntary efficiency innovations and saving measures will also be encouraged in large buildings and industrial sites. Outstanding companies in the Efficiency Innovation Partnership (improving energy intensity by more than 1%) will receive incentives such as exemption from one mandatory energy diagnosis, preferential treatment in infrastructure, financing, and awards.

Self-regulation agreements to avoid heating with open doors and street campaigns will be promoted mainly in major commercial districts, large retail stores, and franchise associations. Furthermore, public institutions are required to establish their own winter energy-saving plans, including compliance with heating temperature regulations and cutting standby power, with implementation inspections and performance management led by institution heads.