Chungnam Provincial Council Urges Withdrawal of Proposed Electricity Rate Increase for Agriculture and Fisheries

Assemblyman Kim Minsu: "The Farming Burden on Farmers and Fishermen Has Intensified to a Serious Level"

The Chungnam Provincial Council has called for a complete repeal of the government's plan to increase electricity rates for agriculture and fisheries.

On the 24th, at the 4th plenary session of the 352nd regular meeting, the council adopted the "Resolution Urging the Establishment of Support Measures for Electricity Rates for Agriculture and Fisheries," which was proposed by Representative Kim Minsu (Democratic Party, proportional representation).

When the government raised electricity rates in April 2022, the agricultural electricity rates applied to agriculture and fisheries this year increased by 59.2% compared to 2022. It is expected to rise up to 77.8% next year.

Representative Kim pointed out, "Farmers and fishers are struggling due to rising raw material costs and increased loan interest rates," adding, "Even the agricultural electricity rates, which account for only 4% of total electricity consumption, have been raised, severely increasing the farming burden on agricultural and fishery workers."

He also stated, "Although a partial amendment to the Value-Added Tax Act to exempt VAT on agricultural electricity has been proposed in the National Assembly, it is currently pending in the relevant standing committee," emphasizing, "It is urgent for the government and the National Assembly to improve the agricultural electricity rate system."

Representative Kim demanded, "The government has so far classified and set agricultural electricity rates lower to protect the public value of agriculture and fisheries as a national infrastructure project," and urged, "Please reconsider the necessity and purpose of agricultural electricity and revitalize rural areas through system improvements."

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