As debates over nuclear power plants keep raging in Taiwan, it has been pointed out that Taiwanese people on average consume more electricity each year than those in Japan or South Korea. And analysts believe the reason lies in the exceptionally low energy prices on the island.

On average, people in Taiwan consume 9,797 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, compared to 9,039 kilowatt-hours in Japan and 8,737 kilowatt-hours in South Korea.

Taiwan ranks first in Asia in electricity consumption, with industry accounting for two-thirds of consumption and individuals accounting for one-third.

Experts say that the trend can be mainly attributed to Taiwan's unreasonably low energy prices, and that the government's electricity and energy subsidies to the petrochemical, steel, cement, and paper industries only exacerbate the situation.

The four industries account for one-third of Taiwan's total energy consumption, but account for less than 4.5% of Taiwan's GDP.

Experts are calling on the government to adjust energy prices, implement energy taxes, and internalize carbon emission costs to encourage low-carbon industries.

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