Emphasis on Nationwide Participation in Energy Conservation

“The progressive electricity rate currently applies to most low‑income households with five or more members, but not to single‑person households. Isn't that contradictory? What about differentiating electricity charges according to income?” - Yang Eun‑jeong (3rd year, Division of Interdisciplinary Studies)

“The government is well aware of that issue. Differentiating electricity charges by income is practically infeasible, but we will work on measures to address this matter.” - Vice Minister Cho Seok (Ministry of Knowledge Economy)

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) hosted a talk concert inviting Vice Minister Cho Seok of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy on May 29 at 9:30 AM in Jinsu‑dang Gain Hall. Vice Minister Cho held an open dialogue with students on the topic "The State of Energy in Our Country and Desirable Directions."

Attended by about 200 students and staff, the lecture proceeded in a true/false quiz format based on 10 preselected energy‑related questions. The session explained Korea's energy realities and the corresponding desirable policy directions, helping university students—the future leaders of society—understand and relate to energy policy more easily.

In the lecture, Vice Minister Cho said, “Since Korea depends on imports for 96.5% of its energy, we must reduce the share of fossil fuels and increase the shares of nuclear power and new and renewable energies. Korea's rise to one of the world’s top 10 economies was partly due to the ‘stable supply of affordable electricity’ through nuclear power, so it is necessary to further foster this sector.”

He also explained, “New and renewable energy sectors are showing rapid growth in market size, export value, and employment indicators. Korea is continuously expanding R&D in technologies such as solar, wind, and bioenergy.”

He stressed that overcoming the energy crisis requires energy‑saving efforts by the public. He emphasized the need to spread a nationwide movement for energy conservation, including voluntary energy‑saving campaigns by households and companies as well as coordinated efforts with civic organizations.

In a subsequent Q&A with students, Vice Minister Cho discussed the future prospects of the energy industry and the types of talent energy companies seek. His remarks aimed to inspire a spirit of challenge and provide a message of hope to university students concerned about employment difficulties.

In addition, participating students visited major facilities at GS Caltex's Yeosu Plant with Vice Minister Cho and toured the Yeosu Expo site as the final part of the schedule, providing further opportunities for communication with the students.