The South Korean government will support heating costs for 10,000 households transitioning from coal briquettes to gas boilers as part of an energy efficiency initiative.
The South Korean government has announced a major initiative to support households transitioning from traditional coal briquette heating to more efficient gas boilers. This program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on coal, following President Lee Jae-myung's directives last August to cut financial support for the coal industry. The initiative will prioritize 10,000 households currently receiving briquette coupons, using funds reallocated from reduced subsidies for briquette production.
Starting from the 3rd of this month and continuing until May, the government will conduct a comprehensive survey via phone to gauge interest and eligibility for transitioning heating fuels among briquette coupon users, which total approximately 42,000 households. A follow-up process will involve on-site inspections of selected households to assess their living conditions and to provide information on energy vouchers and other related welfare programs aimed at low-income households. The government plans to support energy-efficient boiler replacements and insulation projects for these households from June to September, and those who successfully transition will receive energy vouchers equivalent to the value of the previous briquette coupons starting this winter.
In addition to the heating support program, a separate initiative targeting vulnerable groups will also begin on the 3rd, focusing on energy efficiency improvements such as insulation and high-efficiency air conditioning systems. This program is available for low-income individuals, recipients of basic livelihood support, and community service facilities, with applications accepted at administrative welfare centers until budget allocations are exhausted. The government aims to assist 19,000 households and 150 facilities for cooling support and 37,000 households and 15 facilities for heating support, highlighting a significant commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and welfare in South Korea.
