Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Supports Improvement of Aging Gas Facilities in Over 14,000 Households This Year

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 31st that it will expand the project to replace LPG hoses used in general households with safe metal piping in cooperation with local governments nationwide.

This gas facility improvement project was supported only for some marginalized groups such as basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty groups until last year, but from this year, it will target all households using LPG hoses in areas such as farming and fishing villages where city gas is not supplied.

The government and local governments will carry out the LPG container facility improvement project for about 14,000 households nationwide with a budget of 2.9 billion won this year. General households wishing to improve their facilities can participate in the project on the condition of bearing 20% of the cost (about 50,000 won) themselves. Applications for participation will be accepted from February to April, and after facility improvement contractors are selected by each local government, separate guidance will be provided. Inquiries can be made to the gas departments of each city, county, and district or to the regional headquarters or branches of the Korea Gas Safety Corporation.

From this year until 2030, the government and local governments plan to strengthen energy safety welfare by carrying out facility improvements such as replacing metal piping and installing safety devices for about 410,000 general households using LPG hoses.

If LPG charging stations, sales outlets, gas stations, etc., which are closely related to people's lives, invest in safety facilities such as improving aging storage facilities and reinforcing seismic performance, they will be supported with low-interest loans covering up to 70-90% of the investment cost. This year, 7.5 billion won will be provided for gas safety management loans for gas operators, and 5 billion won for petroleum safety management loans for gas stations and petroleum agencies. Loan support inquiries can be made through the Korea Energy Agency.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.