‘Squeezed further’: calls for SME energy subsidies as Hong Kong power fuel surcharges soar
An industry leader and a lawmaker have called for subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises after fuel surcharges imposed by Hong Kong’s two power suppliers rose by nearly 80 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, since March, amid the Middle East conflict. HK Electric, which supplies electricity mainly to Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island, announced that its fuel clause charge would rise…
Two Hong Kong power companies have increased fuel surcharges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by nearly 80% and 15%, respectively, since March. The rise in fuel costs is attributed to the Middle East conflict. HK Electric raised its fuel clause charge by 5.9% to 60.7 HK cents per kWh in September, representing a 78.5% increase since March.
CLP Power increased its surcharge by 15% to 45.1 cents per unit, also marking a 6-month consecutive rise. Pamela Mak, honorary president of the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, called for time-limited support such as fuel-cost rebates, instalment payment options, and subsidies for energy-saving equipment to help SMEs cope with rising electricity bills.
She also suggested issuing consumption vouchers for eligible households to ease the burden on households while boosting local businesses. Lawmaker Ray Wong emphasized the need to address the overall energy issue, which continues to impact the industry, as SMEs in high-consumption industries, such as laundries and food producers, are likely to be hardest hit due to the constant fluctuations in electricity bills.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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