Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) operates an electricity bill welfare discount programme to help ease the financial burden of electricity costs for low-income households, people with disabilities, and others facing economic hardship. Foreigners who hold an Alien Registration Card may apply if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria below.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. 1. Check Your Eligibility

    Review the categories below and identify which one applies to you: Basic Livelihood Security recipients, near-poverty households, people with disabilities, households with three or more children / large families / newborns, or households using life-sustaining medical equipment.

  2. 2. Prepare Your Documents

    Gather a photocopy of both sides of your Alien Registration Card, a copy of your electricity bill, and your eligibility certificate (such as a Basic Livelihood Security certificate, near-poverty household confirmation letter, or disability welfare card).

  3. 3. Submit Your Application

    Choose the method that is most convenient for you: apply online through KEPCO ON, visit a KEPCO branch office or community service centre (주민센터), call the customer centre at 123, or send your application by post or fax.

  4. 4. Eligibility Verification

    KEPCO or the community welfare centre will verify your status as a benefit recipient or person with a disability, and confirm your alien registration information.

  5. 5. Discount Applied

    The discount will be applied starting from the billing month in which you submit your application. If you move house or your eligibility status changes, the discount will stop from the following month.

Eligible Groups and Discount Details

Basic Livelihood Security Recipients

This discount is available to people who have been recognised as Basic Livelihood Security recipients under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act.

CategoryStandard Monthly Discount CapSummer Period Discount Cap (1 June — 31 August)
Livelihood and Medical benefit recipientsUp to 16,000 won per monthUp to 20,000 won per month
Housing and Education benefit recipientsUp to 10,000 won per monthUp to 12,000 won per month

Required documents: Welfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, Basic Livelihood Security recipient certificate

Figures and deadlines are subject to change. Please check the latest information before applying by calling KEPCO Customer Centre 123 or visiting the KEPCO ON Welfare Discount page.

Near-Poverty Households

This discount is available to people confirmed as near-poverty households under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act.

Standard Monthly Discount CapSummer Period Discount Cap (1 June — 31 August)
Up to 8,000 won per monthUp to 10,000 won per month

Required documents: Welfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, near-poverty household confirmation letter

People with Disabilities

This discount is available to people registered as having a severe disability under the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

Standard Monthly Discount CapSummer Period Discount Cap (1 June — 31 August)
Up to 16,000 won per monthUp to 20,000 won per month

Required documents: Welfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, disability welfare card

The discount applies from the billing month in which you submit your application. If you move house, or your status changes due to death or cancellation of benefits, the discount will stop from the month following the date of change. Please verify the latest information before applying by calling 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) or KEPCO Customer Centre 123.

Households with Three or More Children, Large Families, and Households with Newborns

You may apply if your household falls into any of the following categories:

  • A household where three or more children or grandchildren are listed on the household register (or alien registration record)
  • A large family with five or more household members
  • A household that includes an infant under three years of age (from date of birth)

Discount amount: 30% of the applicable monthly bill (up to a maximum of 16,000 won per month)

Required documents: Welfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill (Foreign nationals and overseas Koreans may be required to provide additional documents such as a certificate of alien registration or domestic residence confirmation.)

Before applying, please confirm the document requirements for foreign households with 1345 or your nearest Korea Immigration Service office.

Households Using Life-Sustaining Medical Equipment

This discount is available to households where a member with a respiratory disability or a rare or intractable disease uses an oxygen concentrator or mechanical ventilator.

Discount amount: 30% of the applicable monthly bill

Required documents:

EquipmentNew ApplicationRenewal Application
Oxygen concentratorWelfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, standard rental contract, oxygen therapy prescriptionWelfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, oxygen therapy prescription
Mechanical ventilatorWelfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, tax invoice, doctor’s diagnosis or medical opinionWelfare discount application form, photocopy of both sides of Alien Registration Card, copy of electricity bill, doctor’s diagnosis or medical opinion

How the Welfare Discount Rate Is Applied

Welfare discount households pay a pre-adjustment unit rate for electricity usage and climate/environment charges up to the monthly average usage level (approximately 313 kWh). For usage above 313 kWh, the post-adjustment rate applies. For full details, please visit the KEPCO Cyber Branch Welfare Discount Rate Information page.

Combining Multiple Discounts

The discounts for households with three or more children, large families, households with newborns, and households using life-sustaining medical equipment can be combined with other welfare discounts. If you qualify for more than one category, be sure to apply for all that apply to you.

How to Apply

Choose whichever method is most convenient for you:

  • Online: Register for an account on the KEPCO ON website and apply there (direct link to welfare discount application: KEPCO ON Welfare Discount page)
  • In person: Visit your nearest KEPCO branch office or community service centre (행정복지센터). Staff at the community welfare centre can verify your recipient or disability status and check your registration documents on your behalf.
  • By phone: KEPCO Customer Centre 123 (no area code needed)
  • Other: By post or fax

Figures and deadlines are subject to change. Before applying, please check the latest information by calling 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) or KEPCO Customer Centre 123, or by visiting the KEPCO ON website.