Busan Transportation Corporation Achieves Annual Electricity Cost Savings of 3.8 Billion Won Despite Electricity Rate Hike

Electricity Usage Reduced by 5.4% Compared to Previous Year...
Largest Decrease Among Urban Railway Operators Nationwide
Efficient Water Management Saves 49,700 Tons...
Achieves Cost Savings of 180 Million KRW

Busan Transportation Corporation (President Lee Byungjin) announced that, as a result of company-wide efforts to reduce energy consumption last year, it decreased electricity usage by 18,657 mW compared to the previous year, saving 3.8 billion KRW in electricity costs. Additionally, it reduced annual water usage by 49,700 tons, resulting in a cost saving of 180 million KRW.

In response to consecutive increases in electricity and water rates and to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions, the corporation operated a task force of 10 internal experts and implemented 15 energy-saving projects in the electricity and water sectors.

In the electricity sector, projects included: flexible operation of ventilation facilities linked to real-time air quality, adjusting standby operation times for escalators in station buildings, and establishing a high-efficiency driving system by introducing new electric trains. Furthermore, a new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) target of "2% reduction in electricity usage" was established to strengthen company-wide reduction efforts.

As a result, the corporation recorded electricity usage of 330,120 mW, a decrease of 18,657 mW compared to the previous year. This represents the highest reduction rate among urban railway operators nationwide and stands out even when compared to the national average change rate for urban railway operators (an increase of 1.0%).

Additionally, through projects such as adjusting water pressure and cleaning filter operation times in station restrooms, and installing first-grade toilets and flush valves, the corporation reduced annual water usage by 49,700 tons. This led to an annual water bill reduction of 180 million KRW.

This year as well, the corporation plans to continue its efforts to reduce electricity and water energy consumption by replacing outdated equipment such as air handling unit inverters with high-efficiency devices and installing groundwater utilization facilities at 13 stations through the Ministry of Environment's national subsidy program.

Lee Byungjin, President of Busan Transportation Corporation, stated, "Despite a challenging management environment due to rising public utility rates, we have achieved both cost savings and eco-friendly management through company-wide energy reduction efforts," adding, "We will provide safer and more sustainable urban railway services to citizens by ensuring fiscal soundness and practicing ESG management."

Busan Transportation Corporation is holding a company-wide energy crisis response workshop. Photo by Busan Transportation Corporation