Editorial | Relief can help reduce heat of big Hong Kong power bills
- With customers of city’s two energy companies having to pay more in these hard post-Covid times, government assistance is required
Hongkongers are at the mercy of the power suppliers when it comes to electricity tariffs. Neither the government nor the legislature can effectively monitor the adjustments, thanks to a much criticised scheme of control that guarantees profits for the companies.
The latest increases announced by CLP Power and HK Electric have added to the burden on many who are still struggling under the shadow of the pandemic.
Coming just three months after a steep tariff increase in January, the fuel surcharge rises of 1.29 per cent and 4.73 per cent have left users hot under the collar. Bills of household customers of CLP Power will increase by an average of HK$5.70 to HK$536.29 per month.
Those served by HK Electric face a rise of HK$16.02 to HK$706.43.
Comprising a mix of a base rate, fuel surcharge and rebate, the complicated tariff structure has frustrated many users over the years. Perceptions are further compounded by a notorious scheme that leaves little room for government intervention.