South Korea's Ruling Party Urges Government to Ease Electricity Rates Amid Heatwave

South Korea's Democratic Party has formally requested the government to consider temporarily easing the progressive rate system for household electricity bills. This plea comes amid an intense heatwave gripping the nation, which the party has labeled a "disastrous situation" on par with the extreme heat experienced in 2018. The party's policy committee chair, Han Jeong-ae, highlighted the severity of the current heat, emphasizing its exceptional nature compared to previous years. In response to the party's appeal during a recent meeting, Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Seong-hwan reportedly stated that the government would "actively review" the proposal. The progressive electricity rate system in South Korea typically charges higher rates as consumption increases, a structure that can lead to significantly higher bills during periods of intense air conditioner use, such as the current heatwave.

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We asked the government to review the temporary easing of the progressive rate system for household electricity during the heatwave.