TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Monday that enterprises should strengthen energy self-reliance, according to a ministry press release.
The legislature approved amendments to the Energy Administration Act on Friday. The ministry welcomed their passage and said the aim is to lighten the burden on the power grid, give local governments the means to enforce energy-conservation rules, and impose harsher fines as deterrents.
On electricity use, the ministry said large energy users adding or expanding capacity beyond a specified threshold must install self-use generation or energy-storage equipment to improve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on the power grid. The requirement could apply to artificial intelligence data centers and electronics companies.
Taiwan Power Company Chair Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) said the utility does not mandate full energy self-reliance but provides recommendations for reference, per CNA.
On enforcement, the ministry said the central and local governments are to impose measures and incentives to ensure energy-conservation goals are met. It added that besides subsidizing equipment-efficiency upgrades, local governments may hire agencies or specialists to conduct on-site inspections to ensure enterprises meet requirements.
On deterrence, the ministry said penalty provisions and fines have been adjusted to reflect current circumstances. It added that in cases involving consumer rights, authorities may disclose the names of offending businesses and the reasons for the violations to encourage reform.
