With the continuous increase in renewable energy generation, Taipower has implemented a new time-of-use rate system starting from 2023. The system involves a reconfiguration of peak and off-peak hours to encourage users to consume more electricity during periods of abundant solar energy. Taipower has also designed diverse time-of-use rate plans to accommodate different types of businesses and their production models. The newest plan includes the addition of the "batch production time-of-use rate" which extends the off-peak period to 18 hours and offers a rate difference of NT$6-NT$7 compared to the peak period. This adjustment is aimed at facilitating businesses to engage in continuous production during the off-peak period. The new system came into effect on November 1, 2023, and is available for approximately 17,000 high-voltage industrial users.
Taipower pointed out that a time-of-use rate system was implemented in 2023. Under this system, during non-summer months, the off-peak period is divided into two blocks: from midnight to 6 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the discontinuity of the off-peak period, some industries raised concerns about the impact on continuous production. Therefore, Taipower has been considering a plan that allows for a continuous off-peak period during non-summer months to provide businesses with another option in electricity rates.
Taipower explained that the addition of the "batch production time-of-use rate" is not only intended to create a continuous off-peak period that meets the needs of industries but also enhances businesses' flexibility to adjust their production processes. Additionally, it encourages electricity consumption during periods when photovoltaic power generation is abundant. The off-peak period has been extended from 9 hours to 18 hours. On the other hand, the peak period has been shortened to 6 hours (3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), including the evening peak. Due to the extension of the off-peak period and the shortening of the peak period, the price difference between these periods is reflected in the unit rates. The peak rate has been increased to NT$8-NT$9 per kWh, which is NT$6-NT$7 higher than the off-peak rate, making it the electricity pricing plan with the largest price difference among current time-of-use rates.
Taipower stated that the batch production time-of-use rate is more suitable for industries that can adjust their production processes to align with peak and off-peak periods. This includes industries such as steel, casting, and machine tools, where the production processes are batch-oriented and can take advantage of off-peak batch production. The newly introduced electricity pricing plan is primarily intended for electricity users with high voltage and above, as stipulated by Taipower's operating regulations. These users are defined as fixed locations directly engaged in agriculture, forestry, fishing, animal husbandry, mining, as well as those involved in manufacturing, processing, or the repair of goods. There are approximately 17,000 such locations.
Business Inquiries: Rate Division, Business Department
Contact Number: (02)2366-6674
Spokesperson: Professional Chief Administrator Chih-Meng Tsai
Contact Number: (02)2366-6271/0958-749-333
E-mail: u910707@taipower.com.tw
Business Contact: Director of Business Department, Mei-Lien Huang
Contact Number: (02)2366-6650/0922-696383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw