Chunok Han Leads Proposal... Passed at Temporary Session Plenary Meeting
Move to Expand KEPCO Target to Over 300kW Blocked
"KEPCO's Deficit Just an Excuse to Shift Burden onto Farmers"
Chunok Han, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member. Provided by the office of Chunok Han
On April 30, at the 390th temporary session of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, the first plenary meeting approved a proposal urging the withdrawal of the planned increase in electricity rates for agricultural use. This proposal was initiated by Chunok Han (Democratic Party, Suncheon 2).
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has continuously raised electricity rates for agricultural use since 2012 by applying industrial rates to farms and fisheries using more than 1,000kW of contracted power. This year, KEPCO is moving to expand the target to those using more than 300kW in the second half of the year. The provincial assembly's decision is seen as an attempt to block this move in advance.
Chunok Han, who led the proposal, stated, "Electricity for agricultural use accounts for only 3.9% of total electricity consumption, and farms and fisheries using more than 300kW, which are now targeted for the increase, represent just 0.5% of all agricultural electricity consumers, which is an extremely insignificant level." She criticized, "KEPCO's claim that the rate hike is necessary to resolve its deficit is a cowardly excuse, and this attempt at an increase is merely a step toward gradually shifting the burden of their deficit onto all farmers."
Han further emphasized, "Agriculture and fisheries are not simply industries that produce food; they are the foundation and lifeline that sustain the lives of the people." She strongly urged, "The government and KEPCO must withdraw the planned rate increase in accordance with the original purpose of agricultural electricity, and instead, actively develop and implement policies to promote the advancement of agriculture and fisheries."
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