Using clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality will inevitably increase pressure on power companies to raise electricity tariffs, Secretary for the Environment KS Wong says.
Tariffs for CLP Power customers will rise by 3.1% next year, while those for HK Electric will remain unchanged for a second year.
Speaking to the media at the Legislative Council today, Mr Wong said the tariff decisions have been taken in response to community feedback.
He said changing from coal-fired electricity to natural gas will put upward pressure on tariffs. CLP Power has nearly doubled its use of natural gas to generate electricity, however, its tariff rise is still below inflation.
"The two power companies, together with the Government, have tried to have various means to stabilise the price. At the same time, we have to consider various means, including the stabilisation fund so we can have a certain reserve of a reasonable percentage, and we can then have a more stabilised situation over the time," Mr Wong said.
