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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, after attending a radio programme today (December 17):
Reporter: On CLP, you've got to give them some pressure. They have rebuffed what you said basically yesterday so what is the bargaining chip now on the table? Would you bring out reviewing the scheme of control to pressure them and secondly how confident you think CLP will give you a revised proposal?
Secretary for the Environment: I think we have made it crystal clear to the power company that next year's tariff increase is on the high side and is grossly excessive. We have also specifically pointed out to the China Light and Power a number of ways they can ease their tariff adjustment so as to provide further relief to the consumers. This involves queries or critical comments on their capital as well as operating expenses, which I think they should take a second look and give consumers a response. It also involves advice that might ease their tariff hike by adjusting the fuel clause account which we have seen the other company is doing. So I believe the company should actively reconsider its case and consider what more they can do within the powers and also rooms within this scheme of control that they can do to relieve the pressure on next year's tariff hike.
Reporter: But if you do not give them pressure, they are not going to do anything?
Secretary for the Environment: I think the power sector is a public utility and is a very important service to the community of Hong Kong. These companies are in fact long serving important corporations in Hong Kong where they have a long history of service to the entire community. At the same time there is also an important obligation that they need to take up, particularly in those difficult years where they can find ways to relieve pressure on the consumers so I think it is something to do with their social responsibility as well. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, December 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:29
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