Gyeonggi Province announced on the 26th that it will launch an "Energy Welfare Support Program for Heat Wave Preparedness" to help low-income households vulnerable to extreme heat caused by climate change get through the summer.
The province will allocate 966 million won to support the installation of high-efficiency air conditioning units rated energy efficiency class 1 or higher. This year's program will cover a total of 840 households, targeting low-income families including basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty households.
Gyeonggi Province has been running the air conditioner installation program since 2019, initially focusing on low-income seniors living alone, and has supported a total of 5,959 households to date. The program is expected to improve energy efficiency for low-income households, reduce energy costs, enhance the quality of welfare services, and narrow the climate gap.
The province will accept applications through cities and counties starting in March, with installations to be completed by the end of June, before the onset of extreme heat.
Residents of the 26 participating cities and counties who wish to apply can receive guidance through their local eup, myeon, or dong administrative welfare centers. Participating municipalities include Yongin, Goyang, Hwaseong, Seongnam, Bucheon, Namyangju, Ansan, Anyang, Siheung, Paju, Gimpo, Uijeongbu, Gwangju, Hanam, Gunpo, Osan, Icheon, Anseong, Guri, Pocheon, Yangpyeong, Yeoju, Dongducheon, Gwacheon, Gapyeong, and Yeoncheon.
Cha Sung-su, Director General of the Climate, Environment and Energy Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Demand for energy welfare among vulnerable groups is increasing due to the climate crisis, and we will continue to develop various support measures to eliminate blind spots in energy welfare."