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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting this Wednesday (January 18) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on creating a sustainable and open electricity market.
The motion, to be moved by Ms Audrey Eu, states: "That, given that the Government's signing of the 10-year Scheme of Control Agreements ('SCAs') with the two power companies in 2008 has extended the monopolisation of the electricity market by the two power companies and sowed the seed of misfortune that the two power companies can persistently and significantly increase tariffs to 'maximise profits' regardless of public sentiments, for the well-being of the public, this Council urges the Government to:
(a) require the two power companies to exhaust all room for tariff reduction, so as to lower the rates of tariff increase this year to the lowest levels;
(b) immediately activate the mechanism for interim reviews, and make public the relevant information and accounts, so as to facilitate public participation;
(c) launch a review of the two power companies' development plans in accordance with the provisions of SCAs, increase the transparency of the development plans, and require the two power companies to revise their investment plans, revalue their assets, compress costs and rationalise their accounts;
(d) expeditiously materialise the interconnection between the networks of the two power companies and segregation of the generation sector from the network sector, and introduce third parties to bid for the supply of electricity grids;
(e) encourage the development of distributed renewable energy power generation facilities and networks, and provide technical support and concessions for connection to electricity grids; and
(f) adopt all measures to create a low-carbon electricity market which promotes sustainable development and operates with greater competition, openness and fairness, so as to break new grounds in the electricity market."
Mr Fred Li, Ms Miriam Lau, Mr Ip Wai-ming , Ms Starry Lee and Mr Lee Cheuk-yan will move amendments to Ms Audrey Eu's motion respectively.
Members will debate another motion on Annual Report 2010 to the Chief Executive by the Commissioner on Interception of Communications and Surveillance. The motion, to be moved by Mr James To, says: "That this Council notes the Annual Report 2010 to the Chief Executive by the Commissioner on Interception of Communications and Surveillance."
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Administration 19 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Please note that the agenda is subject to change, and the latest information about the agenda could be found in the LegCo website.
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public gallery of the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. They may reserve seats by calling 3919 3399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also watch or listen to the meeting via the web broadcast system on the LegCo website.
Ends/Monday, January 16, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:30
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