KDHC President Kim Kyung-won makes an inspection tour to examine the vulnerabilities during the thawing season.

The Korea District Heating Corp. (KDHC) raised heating charges by 2.14 percent (consumers’ fares by 2.4 percent) effective March 1. Other community energy companies are expected to follow suit with similar rate increases. 

The rise in heating costs is caused by an average 3.1 percent rise in the price of city gas, a major fuel for district heat. Natural gas import prices have increased in conjunction with a 5.5 percent hike in international crude oil prices. The KHDC readjusts city gas charges and heating fares to make up for any changes in fuel charge hikes. 

Following the latest price hike, an average apartment unit in a district measuring 85 sq. meters in floor space is expected to see its heating fares increase about 1,200 won monthly, a KHDC official said. The corporation will redouble efforts to cut unit prices to minimize heat charges, he added. 

KDHC to Dispose of Non-Essential Subsidiaries

The KDHC plans to sell Korea District Heating Engineering Co. and stakes in other non-essential subsidiaries. 

Investment banks said on Feb. 20 that KDHC has begun the process of selecting brokerage institutions charged with the corporation’s disposal of a 50 percent stake in Korea District Heating Engineering Co., a 27 percent stake in Wind Mill Power and a 29 percent stake in Seonam Bio Energy.

The KDHC maintained its spot on the list of “1st-class public entities” in the 2016 integrity survey of public organizations conducted by the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), the corporation said on Feb. 20. The corporation obtained the honor of topping the ACRC evaluation survey for the fifth consecutive year. 

The corporation operates an integrity certification system for each branch and business so that all staff members participate in a drive to prioritize integrity. 

In particular, the KDHC was once selected as an example of “public entities with integrity” for introducing an “Integrity Friend” system in which residents, customers and cooperative partners of the corporation join forces. 

Under the stewardship of KDHC President Kim Kyung-won, who took office last July, the corporation has set integrity as one of its operational values and redoubled efforts to translate it into action under the catchphrase “Joomagapyeon,” a Chinese saying that means “whipping a horse that is already galloping.”

President Kim said, “Winning the 1st-class grade for the fifth time in a row is owed to executives and staff members’ determination to ensure integrity and translate it into action. We’ll aggressively endeavor to elimination organizational causes susceptible to corruption and spread integrity eco-system.”

The KDHC was founded in 1985 under the Integrated Energy Supply Act. Its purpose is to make life more convenient for people and contribute to energy efficiency. Its district heating and cooling businesses reduce pollution and greatly improves air quality. 

The KDHC has established itself as one of the world’s leading district energy companies. It contributes to the national energy economy by providing reliable heating and cooling services.

A view of KDHC headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do. (Photos: KDHC)