As electricity and gas rates are expected to rise more than originally planned for next month, the burden on households is expected to increase.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, KEPCO, and Korea Gas Corporation on the 25th, the standard fuel cost of electricity rates and the settlement unit price of city gas rates are expected to increase simultaneously in October.
Previously, taking into account the increase in fuel costs at the end of last year, the electricity rate had already decided to raise the standard fuel cost 4.9 earned per kWh (kilowatt hour) twice in April and October this year.
Initially, the increase in fuel cost adjustment was up to ±3 gained per kWh and up to ±5 per kWh compared to the previous quarter.
In addition, KEPCO’s operating loss in the first half of this year was 14.3 trillion won, the highest recorded during the first half of the year It is considering a plan to increase the range of fuel cost adjustment unit price increase more than 5 won.
For city gas rates, a plan to raise the standard fuel cost linked to the fuel cost at the same time as the increase in the unit price of the settlement scheduled for next month is being considered.
At the end of last year, the government decided to raise the unit price of the settlement three times this year. Accordingly, the settlement unit price was raised from 0 won to 1.23 won in May this year, 1.23 won to 1.90 won in July, and will rise again from 1.90 won to 2.30 won next month.
However, KOGAS also sold gas at a low price, and the accumulated loss (accounts) reached 5.1 trillion won at the end of June. It was three times more than at the end of last year (1.8 trillion won).
Choo Kyung-ho, Deputy Prime Minister of the Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance, said, “The electricity and gas sector cannot be decided on the basis of fiscal soundness alone.” We have to consider the public burden on the other hand. ,” he said.
[ 경기신문 = 이지민 기자 ]
