Party and Government to Ease Progressive Electricity Rate Brackets for July and August... Unannounced Industrial Site Inspections for Heatwave Safety

First bracket expanded from 200 kWh to 300 kWh, second bracket also widened
Special task force for heatwave safety at construction sites
Preparing supply adjustments to address crop damage

The Democratic Party of Korea and the government have decided to ease the progressive electricity rate brackets for July and August in order to reduce the burden of electricity bills during the heatwave. In addition, a special task force for heatwave safety will be established to protect workers at construction sites and other workplaces, and unannounced inspections will be carried out at industrial sites.

On the 15th, the Democratic Party and the government held a party-government meeting at the National Assembly to discuss measures related to the heatwave. As a first step, they agreed to temporarily adjust the progressive brackets to alleviate the burden of electricity use for cooling. Kim Wonui, who serves as secretary of the Democratic Party's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, explained, "We will ease the progressive electricity rate brackets for July and August. The first bracket, which is currently 0 to 200 kWh, will be expanded to 0 to 300 kWh, and the second bracket will be expanded from 200 to 400 kWh to 300 to 450 kWh." As a result of this adjustment, the burden of electricity bills will be reduced.

Jin Sungjun, chairman of the policy committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the party-government meeting on heatwave measures held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 15th. 2025.7.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Additionally, to support low-income households, the government will provide energy vouchers and expand the maximum discount on electricity bills to 20,000 won. Regarding electricity supply, Kim stated, "We will ensure sufficient supply capacity so that there are no problems with the public's electricity usage."

Measures for heatwave safety in the industrial sector were also discussed. Kim Jooyoung, who serves as secretary of the Democratic Party on the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee, introduced, "The party and government will implement the revised Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, which require at least a 20-minute break every two hours during work in heatwave conditions, starting from July 17." In addition, a special task force for heatwave safety will be organized. Kim stated, "For high-risk workplaces, we will support the five key rules of the revised Occupational Safety and Health Regulations?providing cool water, cooling equipment, a 20-minute break every two hours, cooling gear, and calling 119 in case of heat-related illness?and we will also conduct unannounced inspections."

The government is also reviewing measures to address price issues caused by crop damage due to the heatwave. Lee Jeongmoon, senior vice chairman of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee, said during a Q&A session with reporters, "Although prices have not risen significantly yet, if the situation continues, damage to horticultural crops and field-grown produce is expected," adding, "The government is monitoring the situation, and for crops that can be stored, the government is preparing to adjust supply volumes as needed."