The central city of Taichung has fined Taichung Power Plant for burning too much coal. Officials announced the fine of NT$9 million (nearly US$300,000) on Wednesday.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and several senior officials said the plant had received two warnings and had failed to remedy the situation. Officials have also revoked the operating permits for two of the plant’s oldest power units, effective on January 1, 2020.
Taichung has seen some of the worst air quality recorded in Taiwan in the past several years. Officials have targeted Taichung Power Plant in an effort to improve air quality.
On several occasions this year, the city called on Taipower, the state-run company that runs the plant, to reduce output. However, Taipower failed to comply, saying it would impact stable electricity output.