This photo, taken with a mobile phone, shows a view of illuminated buildings by the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, June 20, 2020. (LI GANG / XINHUA)

HONG KONG – The government will provide a new round of electricity charges subsidy to eligible residential households from June.

The one-off HK$1,000 subsidy is expected to benefit more than 2.8 million households, costing the government about HK$2.8 billion, according to a government press release.

It is one of the relief measures announced in the 2022-23 Budget to alleviate the economic pressure on the public caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORW: New electricity, housing subsidies to benefit millions

Starting from June, HK$80 will be credited to each residential electricity account with CLP Power Hong Kong or Hongkong Electric Company on the first day of each month for 11 consecutive months, and HK$120 in the 12th month.

Together with the unused credits provided under similar subsidy schemes in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2021, the credits can be used to offset the billed charges for electricity consumed under an account, added the release.

Any unused credits can be carried forward under the same account until Dec 31, 2024 or the close of the account, whichever is earlier.

The credits will be reflected in the bills for residential accounts with the two electricity companies.