Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at Thematic Session 1: Energy for All of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing today (September 11):
 
     Good morning, Chair and fellow colleagues.
      
     As a vibrant metropolis and a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong, China attaches great importance to ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply to sustain its economic activity and daily operation.
      
     Hong Kong, China is a small and mountainous city with no local energy resources. Apart from a small amount of renewable energy, Hong Kong must rely on imported fuels. The two power companies of Hong Kong, China import fuel from diverse sources globally and maintain a stable energy supply.
      
     Hong Kong, China's electricity market is regulated through the Scheme of Control Agreements (the Agreements) signed between the Government and the two power companies. The Agreements set out the obligations of the power companies, and the framework for the Government to monitor the companies' financial, technical and environmental performances. Under this framework, Hong Kong, China enjoys one of the most reliable energy supplies in the world
      
     To protect electricity consumers, the Government of Hong Kong, China examines the tariff proposal of the power companies through an annual tariff review. Our electricity tariff is generally affordable. In general, the spending of households on electricity bills only account for about 2 per cent of their expenditure. In response to the rising fuel prices due to the recent geopolitical uncertainty, the power companies are putting in place energy-saving rebates and concessionary tariff schemes to assist the underprivileged, and drive behavioral changes in energy saving.
      
     The Government also requires the power companies to provide support measures to NGOs (non-governmental organisations), elderlies and the disabled through a Community Energy Saving Fund. These measures ensure that energy is accessible and affordable to all segments of society.     
      
     As a coastal city with hundreds of outlying islands, Hong Kong, China is committed to ensuring universal energy access, leaving no one behind. The power company is rolling out pilot renewable energy schemes to provide supply to a remote island off the electricity grid.
      
     Hong Kong, China will continue to explore new energy solutions in accordance with the city's long-term development needs, with a view to maintaining a stable and safe energy supply and contributing to the sustainable development of the APEC region.
      
     Thank you.

Ends/Friday, September 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00

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