Party and Government Ensure Thorough Heatwave Response... Energy Vouchers of 53,000 Won for Vulnerable Groups

Increase Energy Voucher by 10,000 Won Compared to Previous Amount

The government, the Presidential Office, and the People Power Party have decided to provide energy vouchers worth 53,000 KRW per household to approximately 1.3 million vulnerable households.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the high-level ruling party-government meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 16th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 16th, the ruling party and the government made this decision at a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. Since this summer's temperatures are expected to be higher than average, the energy voucher amount for vulnerable households will be increased by 10,000 KRW per household compared to last year.

To support vulnerable groups in the energy blind spots during the summer, a policy will be implemented to defer the increased electricity charges for about 3.6 million households for one year. Cooling subsidies for senior centers will be expanded from 115,000 KRW to 175,000 KRW, and a 119 heatwave emergency squad will be operated for farmers, fishermen, field workers, and vulnerable groups.

Additionally, to ensure thorough power supply management this summer, the period from the 24th to September 6th will be designated as the power supply management period. A related supply management situation room will also be operated.

Ahead of the rainy season, the ruling party and government will inspect 30,000 landslide-prone areas to prepare for slope collapses, river disasters, and underground space flooding. Furthermore, the number of AI-based flood warning points will be expanded to 223 locations.

A new control standard for underground roads will be established at a 'flooding depth (water submersion height) of 15 cm.' Plans will also be made to expand entry-blocking facilities for underground roads and install flood prevention facilities for semi-basement houses.

The ruling party and government will designate four persons, including public officials, police officers, and civilians, as managers responsible for underground roads to prevent recurring accidents. Landslide prediction information will be subdivided from the current level 2 to level 3 to secure an additional hour for evacuation time.

For the Buan area in Jeonbuk, which was damaged by the earthquake on the 12th, rapid support will be provided through damage assessment, recovery, and financial assistance. To this end, they will consider prioritizing support through the Disaster and Safety Special Grant for costs needed for relief of disaster victims and emergency recovery.