Taipower clarifies that the photovoltaic system only generates electricity and does not consume electricity, and denies that it has caused the store's electricity bill to skyrocket

Taipower clarified that the photovoltaic system generates electricity but does not consume electricity. (Photo by reporter Lin Jinghua)

[Reporter Lin Jinghua/Report from Taipei] Stores in Taitung reported that the installation of solar panels caused abnormal electricity bills. Taipower stated today (12th) that the solar photovoltaic system at the site is equipped with a two-way meter for photovoltaic power generation, and the user side is also equipped with a two-way meter to separately measure the power generated by the photovoltaic system and the user side. The electricity consumption and power generation of the two can be clearly distinguished. Taipower conducted a survey on the 10th and confirmed that the on-site electrical equipment, current, voltage and load conditions were all normal.

In response to the store's complaint that "the photovoltaic panels used the store's electricity, causing the electricity bill to increase several times from 9,000 yuan," Taipower stated that the photovoltaic system at the site was connected to the grid in June 2024. The Eastern District Office of Taiwan Power Station checked the user's electricity consumption records over the years. The monthly electricity bill stated by the store was about 8,000 to 9,000 yuan, which is an electricity consumption situation after 2025, during which photovoltaic equipment was in operation. In addition, after reviewing the electricity consumption records from November 2024 to 2026, it was found that when the photovoltaic system continued to generate electricity, the user's electricity consumption did not increase; during the period when the photovoltaic system was shut down and no power was generated, there was also an increase in user electricity consumption, indicating that there should be no direct correlation between the two.

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Taipower pointed out that in response to the high electricity bills of users in July and September 2024, it was learned that the store had been renovating the store at that time, and the period also coincided with the "Lun Deng Avenue" special market being held during the summer vacation, and related activities were held from the end of June to mid-September.

Taking into account store decoration and business and visitor conditions during the market, it is not ruled out that the use of lighting, air conditioning or other equipment will increase, which will affect electricity consumption; however, the actual reason for the increase in electricity consumption still depends on the usage of the equipment at that time. The Taitung District Office also sent personnel to conduct an on-site inspection and confirmed that the meter index was correct, operating normally, and there were no measurement abnormalities. After the market activities, electricity consumption also dropped back to normal levels.

Taipower also explained that solar photovoltaic panels are "power generation equipment" and the electricity generated can be used by users or integrated into the power grid. They are not "power-eating monsters" that consume large amounts of electricity. If users still have questions about their electricity usage, Taipower will continue to provide verification and explanation services.

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