Osan City Achieves Results in DS Power Rate Cut Negotiations...Regional Heating Cost Gap Eases from February

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] Osan City announced on the 20th that citizens' heating cost burden is expected to ease due to district energy supplier DS Power Co., Ltd.'s decision to cut regional heating rates.

This rate cut decision stemmed from continued complaints from citizens that Osan's regional heating rates were higher than those of the Korea District Heating Corporation. Accordingly, the city has been conducting negotiations with the supplier since February of last year, conveying its position that it must ease household financial burden caused by the rate gap.

The rate reduction applies to all supply types including residential, building-type, and public use, and takes effect on February 1. The core of this measure is to gradually reduce the rate gap by cutting the heating rate, which was 9% higher than that of the Korea District Heating Corporation, by 1%.

DS Power Co., Ltd. made this decision to ease citizens' living cost burden despite facing management difficulties including total cost losses and delays in the occupancy of the Segyo 2 district.

Through this heating rate cut, the city aims to lower residents' cost of living expenses and increase benefits from energy use. Additionally, the city plans to maintain ongoing communication with DS Power Co., Ltd. to work toward narrowing the rate gap with the Korea District Heating Corporation, reducing heating fees for low-income households, and establishing stable heat supply measures within the region.

Mayor Lee Gwon-jae said, "I extend deep gratitude to DS Power officials for making this decision despite difficult circumstances," and added, "To realize energy welfare for Osan citizens, supply companies and related agencies will do our utmost together to stabilize costs."