Government to shell out $4.5b in electricity subsidy

It'll benefit 2.5m households starting July.

According to a report, a new monthly subsidy of $150 will be credited to each residential account with CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd or the Hongkong Electric Co, Ltd for one year from July 1.

The subsidy is one of the relief measures announced in the 2013-14 Budget addressing the continued risk of rising inflation. The measure costs about $4.5 billion and benefits about 2.5 million households.

The new subsidy, together with the subsidies provided under similar schemes in 2008, 2011 and 2012, can be used to offset billed electricity charges, and any unused credit can be carried forward under the same account until June 30, 2016.

Users may contact CLP on 2678 2678 or HK Electric on 2887 3411 for enquiries.