Local leaders in Taipei's tech park only just learned of substation plans; city urges faster communication

Local community leaders in Taipei's Beitou-Shilin Technology Park only recently learned about plans to construct a new power substation, sparking concerns about communication and public involvement.

Chen Zhao-mei, the head of the Zhoumei community, expressed surprise, stating she only became aware of the substation plans on May 27. While she acknowledged the substation's location near a levee might mitigate direct impact on residents, she conveyed a general reluctance towards its construction. "We don't want a substation, but it's by the levee, so it doesn't really affect residents' safety. We can reluctantly accept it," she said.

City councilor Lin Yen-feng criticized the Taipei city government's process, questioning Mayor Chiang Wan-an's commitment to "incorporating public opinion." Lin pointed out that Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) proactively contacted the city government on May 26, 2023, regarding the park's future electricity needs, while the city's response came on June 2. This timeline, she argued, shows Taipower was more proactive than the city government.

The city's Industry Development Bureau stated that in past projects, like the Huajiang and Songhu substations, the city government has actively requested Taipower to hold large-scale explanatory meetings. The bureau will investigate Taipower's current communication progress with the local community and will formally request the company to accelerate its public outreach efforts for the Wenlin substation.

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We don't want a substation, but it's by the levee, so it doesn't really affect residents' safety. We can reluctantly accept it.