Hong Kong power firms to raise fuel charges from September amid geopolitical tensions
Hong Kong’s two electricity suppliers will raise fuel-related charges from next month, citing geopolitical tensions and volatility in international energy markets. As electricity costs rise, CLP Power and HK Electric have introduced rebate and relief schemes as grass-roots households face higher air-conditioning expenses after a summer with an unusually large number of very hot days. HK Electric,…
Hong Kong's two main power suppliers, CLP Power and HK Electric, will raise fuel-related charges in September due to geopolitical tensions and unstable energy markets. The fuel clause charge, which is added to customers' bills, will increase to 60.7 HK cents (7.74 US cents) per kilowatt-hour in September, a 5.9% rise from August and the fourth consecutive monthly increase since May. This comes as electricity costs surge, particularly for air-conditioning during a summer with an unusually high number of very hot days.
HK Electric, which primarily supplies electricity to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island, stated the fuel clause charge has more than doubled compared to pre-geopolitical developments. The average net tariff, combining the fuel clause charge and basic tariff, will rise to 188.6 cents per unit in September, a 1.8% increase from August.
CLP Power, serving Kowloon, the New Territories, Lantau, and other outlying islands, will see its fuel cost adjustment rise to 45.1 cents per unit, a 0.1 cent increase from August. This marks the sixth consecutive monthly rise since March, reflecting changes in actual fuel costs over the past three months. The increases aim to reflect rising international energy prices, with liquefied natural gas prices having more than doubled since earlier this year.
To mitigate the impact on low-income households, HK Electric will provide a special subsidy of eight cents per unit to residential customers with monthly consumption under 450 units from August to October. Additionally, the utility has launched a program offering heat-relief activities, electricity-safety talks, and circulating fans to eligible low-income residents and the elderly to help lower energy bills.
CLP Power will offer a three-month special fuel rebate from August to October 2026, with residential customers consuming no more than 900 units per bill receiving an eight-cent-per-unit rebate. On average, eligible households will receive over HK$100 in rebates over three months, providing substantial relief.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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