Taiwan citizens could soon see a jump in electricity costs as the country faces energy shortages. Anti-nuclear sentiment is gaining momentum in the country as construction for Taiwan’s controversial fourth nuclear power plants nears completion.

Wide-scale protests have led to a temporary halt on construction, which could led to increased electricity prices, impacting households and the competitiveness of the electronics, semiconductor, steel and textile industries, said Foxconn chairperson Terry Gou at the Cross Strait Guizhou Economic Cooperation Forum held in Taipei. However, Gou also believes this is an opportune moment to restructure the country’s industries ahead of possible energy shortages. 

Terry Gou, Taiwanese tycoon and chairman of Foxconn.

LED manufacturers such asFoxconn and Nichia have been working together to produce LED lighting products, but it is becoming increasingly clear that Taiwan’s service industry is not willing to make the switch. Since electricity prices in Taiwan are so low, businesses and industries do not see the necessity in using more energy efficient lighting. 

“Industrialists and the service industry should all consider saving energy as a habit. No matter whether the power plant is finished or not, saving energy is a necessary step,” said Gou in a recent China Times article.