The Executive Yuan has approved a NT$400 million (US$12.69 million) subsidy plan for Taiwanese to swap to more energy-efficient gas-fired appliances next year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Energy said yesterday.
The replacement of older models of natural gas-burning appliances for new ones with Level 1 or 2 energy efficiency ratings would be subsidized, with each household limited to using the subsidy for one purchase, bureau Deputy Director-General Lee Chun-li (李君禮) said.
Nearly 230,000 obsolete gas stoves or gas-fired water heaters — about 7 to 8 percent of such appliances in use — would be replaced by devices with Level l or 2 energy efficiency ratings, he said.
Photo: Tsai Shu-yuan, Taipei Times
The subsidies would be valid for purchases of stoves and water heaters made from Jan. 1 to April 30 next year, while the subsidy distribution is to be conducted from Feb. 1 to May 15, he said.
Each purchase of a Level 1-rated gas stove with two or more burners or naturally ventilated gas water heaters would be granted NT$2,000, while each purchase of a Level 2-rated appliance of these types would be granted NT$1,000, Lee said.
Each purchase of a Level 1 power-ventilated gas water heater would be granted NT$3,000, while Level 2-rated appliances of that type would be granted NT$2,000, he said.
The subsidies are projected to reduce natural gas use by 2,037 million cubic meters per year, a volume equal to 81,000 times an average household’s total annual natural gas usage, decreasing carbon emissions by 43,000 tonnes, Lee said.
The effect is equivalent to building 111 Daan Forest Parks, he added.
Power-vented water heaters are also safer due to emitting less carbon monoxide indoors, Lee said.
Details about the subsidy application process and answers to other frequently asked questions are to be published soon, officials said, adding that the public can call (02) 2955-9666 for further information.
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