2025/09/04
Ministry of National Defense Issues Press Release Regarding Media Reports on “Significant Increase in 2026 Defense Budget Allocation for Utility Costs”
Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1410 hours, September 4, 2025
In response to media reports alleging a “significant increase in the Ministry of National Defense’s 2026 budget allocation for utility costs,” the Ministry of National Defense stated today (September 4) that, as the 2025 overall budget had to be finalized by March 31, 2024, the additional electricity costs resulting from Taiwan Power Company’s price adjustments in April and October 2024 could not be included in the 2025 defense budget and must be covered by the 2026 budget allocation.
The Ministry of National Defense further clarified that, based on an analysis of actual electricity consumption, the ROC Armed Forces used approximately 1.07 billion kilowatt-hours in 2024, and as of July this year (2025), approximately 590 million kilowatt-hours, showing no significant increase compared to the same period last year, and refuting claims of “wasteful spending or inflated budgeting.”
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that, without compromising combat readiness, the ROC Armed Forces adhere to the principle of “using what is necessary and saving where possible.” They have collaborated with Taiwan Power Company to review “contracted electricity capacity” and “power factor,” and are promoting the establishment of an “energy management system” to enhance energy conservation and budget efficiency.