'Separate Collection of TV License Fees' Passes Cabinet Meeting... For Now, Only Applicants Will Pay Separately

'Broadcast Act Enforcement Decree Amendment' Approved at Cabinet Meeting
Nearly 30 Years of Unified Collection System Changed
Preparation Time Needed for Separate Collection

Starting as early as the 12th, electricity bills and TV license fees will be collected separately. However, considering the preparation time needed for separate collection, it is expected that only applicants will be subject to separate billing for the time being.

On the 11th, the government approved the "Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act" at the Cabinet meeting, which mandates the separation of TV license fee collection from electricity bills. As a result, the nearly 30-year-old "integrated collection" system that has been in place since 1994 will be changed.

Until now, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has had a "license fee collection consignment contract" with KBS and has collected TV license fees together with electricity bills. This contract is renewed every three years, and the current contract runs until December 2024. Therefore, KEPCO must continue to perform the consigned collection of TV license fees until the end of next year.

KEPCO is strongly considering the "separate issuance of bills" method, where electricity bills and TV license fee bills are produced and sent separately. However, since preparation for separate issuance requires time, it is reported that, for the time being, only customers who request "separate payment" will be provided with a separate payment account. Customers who wish to pay the TV license fee separately from the electricity bill can contact the KEPCO customer center to receive a separate payment account number. Even customers who have automatic payment set up for electricity bills will be given a separate account number exclusively for TV license fee payment if they apply for separate payment.

This separate collection method will be maintained until a system is introduced that allows electricity bills and TV license fee bills to be created, sent, and paid separately. KEPCO plans to include a notice explaining the separate collection method in future electricity bill mailings.

(Photo) [Image source=Yonhap News]

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