Taipower Refutes Viral Misinformation on Time-of-Use Pricing; Affirms Residential Electricity Rates Remain Usage-Based

A viral online rumor claimed that electricity rates would shift to a three-tier time-of-use pricing model. Taipower clarified today that this information is false. Residential electricity billing is based solely on total consumption, regardless of the time of use.

A long-circulating rumor is making the rounds again, claiming that electricity bills will switch to a time-of-use pricing model. Taipower clarified on June 21st that this is false information. For regular households, electricity charges are calculated solely based on the amount of electricity used, regardless of the time it is consumed. The public can check their billing details through their electricity bills or the Taiwan Power Company's app. If you see friends or family spreading such rumors in group chats, please help clarify the facts.

Taipower stated that currently, 99% of residential users in Taiwan (over 13.7 million households) are billed based on usage alone, under the "non-commercial usage" rate, which does not involve time-based pricing. In line with the principles of user-pays and energy conservation/carbon reduction, rates are tiered based on electricity consumption levels, not time of day. In other words, the cost of electricity remains the same no matter what time of day it is used. The rumor in question mistakenly refers to the time-of-use pricing plan, which applies only to a small number of high-usage customers. Furthermore, the information shared about time periods and rate differences is also incorrect.

Taipower pointed out that there are three simple steps for the public to verify whether they are on a usage-based billing plan and not a time-based one:
1. Check your electricity bill or the Taipower app to confirm your household is under the "non-commercial usage" category and that there is no mention of "time-of-use rate."
2. Confirm that you have not actively applied to Taipower for a time-of-use pricing plan.
3. If you're still unsure, you can call Taipower's 24-hour customer service hotline at 1911 and verify using your household electricity account number or address.