Some Homeplus stores, KEPCO announces power cut in October due to non-payment of electricity bills (Comprehensive 2nd report)

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Jeong Soo-yeon = Many Homeplus stores were notified of power cuts from the Korea Electric Power Corporation as they were unable to pay their electricity bills.

According to the distribution industry on the 26th, in the metropolitan area, Homeplus Pocheon Songwoo branch (27th), KINTEX branch, Goyang Terminal branch, Namyangju Jinjeon branch (28th), Paju Unjeong branch (29th), and Gajwa branch (30th) received notice of power outage during this month.

A power outage is expected at the Incheon Songdo branch in November.

The four stores operating in Busan, the Centum City branch, Busan Banyeo branch, Yeongdo branch, and Seobusan branch, all received notice of power cuts.

Homeplus is highly likely to be unable to pay its unpaid electricity bills as its funds are so tight that it has to pay its employees' wages, which total about 20 billion won per month, in installments.

The number of stores receiving power cut notices is expected to increase in the future.

The problem is with the companies inside Homeplus, and it is known that there are companies in each store that want to continue operating, including the hair salon at the Goyang Terminal branch.

If more stores fail to pay electricity bills in the future, the damage to stores will inevitably increase.

If KEPCO's power cut is implemented due to non-payment of electricity bills, Homeplus must suspend operations in the entire building in accordance with the Fire Service Act.

Stores are also unable to operate, and employees are forced to take a break from work.

Store companies say that if the power cut is implemented, not only will they not be able to do business, but they will also suffer significant damage, such as not being able to move goods as the building is closed.

One Homeplus store owner said, “We paid the electricity bill to Homeplus,” and added, “It is Homeplus that failed to pay the bill, but it is against fairness for the tenant company to not be able to operate.”

According to the supply terms and conditions, KEPCO issues a power cutoff notice if electricity bills are not paid for two months. If payment is not made for more than 3 months, actual electricity supply may be cut off.

Just because the power outage notice date has passed does not mean electricity supply will be cut off immediately, and KEPCO plans to hold a general meeting in the future to decide whether and when to implement Homeplus power outage measures.

KEPCO decided to listen to the opinions of participating companies at this meeting.

A Homeplus official said, "If KEPCO's power cut is implemented, we will not be able to do business."