Electricity Bill Reaches 150000 NTD in Two Months at Executive Yuan Legislator Criticizes Are They Mining Bitcoin

Electricity Bill Reaches 150000 NTD in Two Months at Executive Yuan Legislator Criticizes Are They Mining Bitcoin

Electricity Bill Reaches 150000 NTD in Two Months at Executive Yuan Legislator Criticizes Are They Mining Bitcoin

The relevant topics of the central government’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year have recently become the focal point of intense debate within the Legislative Yuan. Among these, the budget for electricity expenses across various central government agencies has seen a significant increase of 25%, reaching a total of 10.1 billion NTD, which has drawn widespread criticism from the opposition parties.

Yesterday, People’s Party legislator Huang Kuo-chang revealed during a live broadcast that after taking office on May 20, Executive Yuan Premier Su Tseng-chang had consumed 20,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity within just two months, leading to an astonishing electricity bill of 150,000 NTD. In response, Huang Kuo-chang sarcastically remarked during the broadcast, “Is he mining Bitcoin inside?”

In response to media inquiries following a session in the Legislative Yuan today, Premier Su Tseng-chang stated that he only held a few meetings at the official residence after it was repaired in late June, and that he spent only two nights each week there. He emphasized that the residence is generally unoccupied, and regarding the unusual electricity consumption, he indicated that he would ask the power company to conduct an investigation. If any anomalies are confirmed, a comprehensive review and improvements would be undertaken.

On the other hand, during questioning of Premier Su Tseng-chang today, People’s Party legislator Chang Chi-kai also inquired about the electricity budgets of various ministries. When discussing the Judicial Yuan’s electricity budget, which is set to increase by 60% next year, Chang Chi-kai similarly quipped, “Are they mining Bitcoin?”

In response, Premier Su Tseng-chang commented, “Such descriptions by the committee members are quite inappropriate. To say that the Judicial Yuan is mining Bitcoin is an improper characterization. I believe we should refrain from using such terms.” (Chang: This is a public satire questioning why the increase is so substantial) “Where is there such satire in the public about mining Bitcoin?”