Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province – Gyeongju City is set to launch its 2025 Energy Voucher Support Project, a crucial initiative designed to alleviate the heating and cooling cost burden for its most energy-vulnerable residents. This program aims to provide vital assistance to low-income households struggling with energy access, offering vouchers that can be used to purchase various energy sources, including electricity, city gas, district heating, kerosene, LPG, and coal briquettes.

The support targets households that meet both income and household member criteria. Income eligibility is determined by qualification for one of the National Basic Livelihood Security Act's benefits: livelihood, medical, housing, or education. For household member characteristics, eligible recipients or household members must include at least one of the following: seniors born before December 31, 1960; infants born after January 1, 2018; individuals with disabilities; pregnant women; those with severe, rare, or intractable diseases; single-parent families; or child-headed households.

Gyeongju City anticipates that approximately 6,800 households will benefit from this program in the coming year. Applications are open until the end of December and can be submitted either in person at local Eup, Myeon, or Dong administrative welfare centers or online via the official Bokjiro website (www.bokjiro.go.kr).

The energy vouchers will be valid for use from July 1, 2025, to May 25, 2026, offering flexibility for use during both the summer and winter seasons without specific seasonal restrictions. The support amount will vary based on household size:

1-person households: 295,200 won
2-person households: 407,500 won
3-person households: 532,700 won
4-person or more households: Up to 701,300 won

These vouchers can be directly applied to designated energy bill payments or used for the purchase of various fuel types.

Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young emphasized the importance of timely application, stating, "We will actively promote this system so that citizens can apply in a timely manner and receive benefits in preparation for the high energy cost burdens of summer and winter." The city's proactive stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that no resident is left behind in accessing essential energy resources. This initiative is a critical component of Gyeongju's broader welfare policy, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its most vulnerable populations by directly addressing one of their most significant financial challenges.

This program aligns with the national government's efforts to expand energy welfare, particularly for those disproportionately affected by rising energy prices. Similar energy voucher programs are implemented across South Korea, reflecting a concerted effort to create a social safety net that protects low-income households from energy poverty. The Gyeongju initiative, with its clear eligibility criteria and accessible application process, serves as a model for local government intervention in supporting its most vulnerable citizens. It's expected to significantly ease financial pressures on thousands of families, allowing them greater access to necessary heating and cooling during extreme weather conditions.