TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Thursday that Taiwan saved 4.8 billion kWh of electricity last year.

Following a meeting of the National Development Council on Thursday, the ministry said electricity savings surpassed the government’s initial target of 4.5 billion kWh. The goal for this year is to save 5.5 billion kWh, with a cumulative savings target of 20.6 billion kWh by 2027, per CNA.

National Development Council Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) said businesses accounted for nearly half of the nation’s electricity savings last year. Energy-saving efforts will continue to be led by public enterprises and institutions, including the National Taiwan University Hospital, CPC Corporation, and Taipower.

These organizations will establish energy-saving demonstration projects and guide private companies seeking to implement similar practices.

Liu also emphasized the importance of energy service companies in achieving significant energy savings. The government pledged to continue offering loan quotas of up to NT$300 million (US$9.8 million) to these companies and will support the integration of domestic energy service providers.

The government will also offer incentive programs to these companies to drive Taiwan's industries toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions, Liu added.

According to the ministry, energy-saving measures focus on four key areas, including corporate energy conservation, subsidies for replacing old home appliances, energy management systems, and building energy efficiency.

The government's subsidy program for replacing old home appliances has led to the replacement of 1.53 million units since its 2023 launch. The program continues this year, offering a NT$3,000 subsidy per new appliance, with a goal of replacing another 2.07 million units.