HK Electric Distributes Dining Coupons to Benefit SME Caterers and Underprivileged Families

HK Electric will begin distributing dining coupon sets worth $500 each to needy families from tomorrow for use at SME eateries. This is a continuation of the Company's "2+3 relief measures" launched earlier to help small and medium-sized caterers and underprivileged families during the current economic downturn.

Residential customers or households living in sub-divided units within HK Electric's supply territory are eligible to join if they qualify for any programme listed on table 1. After making appointments with designated NGO centres (full list at table 2), these households will be invited to collect a set of 20 coupons, each worth $25, with which they could settle food and beverage payments at more than 220 eateries participating in the Care and Share – SME Caterers Subsidy Scheme. Full list of caterers is available on www.hkelectric.com/coupon-en.

Considering the need for NGO centres to implement social distancing measures to control the flow of people under the current pandemic, eligible families are required to book in advance with any of the 23 designated centres. On confirmation of the appointment, they must present identity documents for registration, together with an original copy of their electricity bill for any month in 2020, or in the case of those living in sub-divided units, a rental payment receipt within the last three months. While each family is entitled to one set of coupons, a total of 40,000 sets will be made available for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis.

Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Wan Chi-tin, pointed out that electricity consumption is generally higher for SME caterers resulting in higher electricity expenses than that of other SME sectors. They are also one of the hardest hit trades during the recent pandemic and social unrest.

"We hope that the scheme will help these SME caterers and, at the same time, support the underprivileged families in this challenging time."

So far, more than 220 SME caterers on Hong Kong and Lamma Islands have responded to HK Electric's appeal to join the scheme. Each dining coupon has a unique QR code, and upon presentation, caterers can scan them with a dedicated mobile app to ensure no duplication. HK Electric will disburse the subsidy amount to the caterers concerned as soon as possible according to the number of coupons recorded by the app.

Participating caterers must have valid business and food business registrations, and employ fewer than 50 people. Those taking part include restaurants, cafes, congee/noodle shops, barbecued meat outlets, fast food shops and cake shops. All have displayed the scheme's sticker on their premises for identification.

Mr. Wan said that since the launch of the "2+3 Relief Measures" late last year, HK Electric has waived tariff increase for six months in early 2020 to about 70,000 low-consumption non-residential customers. At the same time, energy-efficient equipment subsidy has been provided to non-residential customers and a two-month deferral of electricity expenses offered to eligible non-residential customers.

In addition, HK Electric has provided a subsidy to more than 50 NGO-run community centres for activities organised for underprivileged families and those in need. Payment up to $60,000 for each community centre will be reimbursed based on their actual food and beverage expenses.

Mr. Wan added that this NGO subsidy scheme, together with SME scheme to be introduced, will involve a total subsidy of HK$23 million. The two schemes are expected to generate extra business for SME caterers while benefitting the disadvantaged community.

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Table 1: Eligibility for receiving $500 dining coupons:

• HK Electric's residential customers or SDU households within HK Electric's supply territory and are beneficiaries of one of the following schemes:

• HK Electric's Concessionary Tariff Scheme
• HK Electric's Smart Power Care Fund
• Social Welfare Department - Senior Citizen Card
• Social Welfare Department - Community Care Fund
• Social Welfare Department - Comprehensive Social Security Assistance
• Social Welfare Department - Old Age Living Allowance
• Working Family Allowance Office - Working Family Allowance
• The Student Finance Office - School Textbook Assistance

OR

• Facing financial difficulties as recommended by the designated NGO or District Councillor

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Table 2: Community Centres Participating in "Care and Share" SME Caterers Subsidy Scheme

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