Kim Kkot-im, Provincial Assembly Member, Kim Yong-bin reports from Cheongju, News1: Starting this year, businesses will fully cover the construction costs for city gas inlet pipelines in North Chungcheong Province.
Provincial Assembly Member Kim Kkot-im announced on the 3rd that the shared cost system for city gas inlet pipeline construction in North Chungcheong Province will be reformed this year. Previously, the construction costs were split 50% each between the businesses and users. In 2022, the cost borne by the residents was 1.2 billion KRW, with an average burden of 900,000 KRW per household.
Assembly Member Kim criticized this practice through administrative audits and inquiries, stating that “the inlet pipelines are classified as assets of the gas supply company,” and that “it is unreasonable for residents to bear the installation costs.”
After extensive discussions with Chungcheong Energy Service, which supplies city gas to 10 cities and counties (excluding Chungju) in the province, the regulations have been revised to have the businesses cover the construction costs. The revision will be completed this month and will take effect from March.
It is reported that the city gas supplier in Chungju is not considering revising the regulations.