The public is being given a say on whether to bring in variable electricity tariffs as a means to reduce carbon emissions.
The Council for Sustainable Development, a governmentappointed think tank, has launched a four-month public consultation on how to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. Options to be discussed include changing the tariffs, tightening laws governing energy consumption - such as for air conditioning, ventilation and lighting - phasing out energy-inefficient electric appliances and making companies perform carbon audits.
Green groups hailed the council's initiative and said tweaking electricity tariffs would not only encourage people to use less electricity but also reduce power bills for many ordinary households.
The government currently pays an electricity bill subsidy of up to HK$150 a month, which green groups say encourages waste. Power generation accounts for 60 per cent of the city's carbon dioxide emissions.
Variable power tariffs have been successful in reducing consumption overseas. 'A progressive tariff is in place in Taiwan and the United States. The tariff increases if consumption exceeds a set limit,' council chairman Bernard Chan said.
Queensland in Australia has a range of charges to reduce power use during peak hours. In some places the tariff in summer, when people use air conditioning a lot, is higher than during winter.
Chan said such schemes were workable in Hong Kong, but it would take a lot of time for the two electric companies to make the necessary arrangements.