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🇰🇷 South Korea /Energy & Infrastructure

South Korea to boost direct aid for residents near power lines

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Approved/passed
  • South Korea will increase direct support for residents near power transmission towers, including electricity and heating costs.
  • A revised law allows for expanded direct support if over 75% of residents agree, easing previous requirements for unanimous consent.
  • The changes also simplify the process for carrying over unused funds from support projects.

South Korea is set to enhance direct support for residents living near high-voltage power transmission towers. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that a revised enforcement decree, approved by the cabinet, will take effect on June 3. This reform shifts the focus from village-wide communal support to individual benefits, such as electricity and heating bill assistance.

Previously, expanding direct support projects required the consent of all residents in a village. This stringent requirement often stalled progress, as even a single objection could prevent the expansion of aid. The new regulation eases this burden, allowing for increased direct support if three-quarters of the residents agree. This change aims to provide more autonomy to local communities and streamline the distribution of benefits.

This revision to the enforcement decree resolves on-site difficulties and improves the system to expand local residents' autonomy.

— Lee Jae-sikDirector of the Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry's power grid policy division, explaining the goals of the revised law.

Furthermore, the rules governing the use of leftover funds from support projects have been simplified. Previously, unspent money could only be carried over in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or long-term projects requiring extensive review. Under the revised decree, remaining funds can be carried over for normal project progression without needing special justification.

The support applies to villages within specific proximity to 345-kilovolt (kV) and higher transmission facilities. The distance criteria vary by voltage, ranging from 700 meters for 345kV lines to 1,000 meters for 765kV lines. Substations are also included, with support extending up to 850 meters depending on the voltage level. Lee Jae-sik, director of the power grid policy division, emphasized that the revisions aim to address on-site difficulties and enhance residents' rights and autonomy.

We will continue to develop the system in a way that enhances the rights of residents in areas surrounding transmission facilities.

— Lee Jae-sikDirector of the Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry's power grid policy division, on future improvements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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