A new round of one-off electricity charges subsidy of $2,000 will be provided to each eligible residential electricity account from January 2020. The subsidy is one of the relief measures announced by the Financial Secretary in August 2019, having regard to the current economic situation and outlook in Hong Kong and to counter the challenging external and local economic environments.

     Starting from January 1, 2020, a subsidy of $160 will be credited to each residential electricity account with CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) or the Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HK Electric) in existence on the first day of each month for 11 consecutive months, and $240 in the 12th month, making up a total of $2,000.

     The credits under the new subsidy scheme, together with the unused credits provided under similar schemes in 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the relief provided under the Electricity Charges Relief Scheme, can be used for the purpose of offsetting the billed charges for electricity consumed under the account. Any unused credits can be carried forward in the same account up to December 31, 2022, or the close of the account, whichever is earlier.

     The credits under the new subsidy scheme will be reflected in the electricity bills for residential accounts with the two electricity companies. Users may contact CLP's Customer Service Hotline on 2678 2678 or HK Electric's Customer Service Hotline on 2887 3411 for enquiries on account matters. More details of the new subsidy scheme can be found at www.fstb.gov.hk.

     On December 6, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved the provision of a one-off electricity charges subsidy of $2,000 to each eligible residential electricity account. This one-off measure will involve government expenditure of about $5.6 billion.  Over 2.7 million eligible households will benefit.

Ends/Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:00

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