Frequently Asked Questions

Enquiry Hotline & Emails

Hotline: 2510 2701

Enquiry email:
SPCF@hkelectric.com

sme@hkelectric.com (Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme)
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FAQs — Smart Power Care Fund

For details, please refer to the scheme documents of Smart Power Care Fund.

What is Smart Power Care Fund？

HK Electric establishes a Smart Power Care Fund (the Fund) under its 2019-2033 Scheme of Control Agreement to promote energy efficiency and conservation in the community. In 2020, the Fund comprises five subsidy programmes, namely Energy-efficient Community Subsidy Programme, Smart to Care Subsidy Programme, Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme, Sub-divided Unit (SDU) Rewiring Subsidy Programme and SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme.

FAQs — Energy-efficient Community Subsidy Programme

What is the purpose of Energy-efficient Community Subsidy Programme?

To build a low-carbon community, HK Electric provides full subsidies (capped at HK$500,000 (Category 1) or capped at HK$300,000 (Category 2)) for eligible premises to implement low-carbon living projects which enable the premises users to adopt low-carbon lifestyle and/or embrace energy efficiency, improve indoor environment and bring social benefits.

When will the Programme accept application?

Applications will be accepted from 1 January, 2020. For details, please visit HK Electric website (www.hkelectric.com/SPCF-en). The Programme is valid until 31 December, 2023.

Who are eligible to apply for the Programme?

The Projects are for premises within the supply area of HK Electric which are either:

Eligible Premises (Category 1) - Premises operated by non-profit-making NGOs for provision of education, community, welfare or transitional housing services; non-government kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions, or associated student facilities.

Eligible Premises (Category 2) - Premises operated small and medium enterprises which are residential care homes for the elderly or persons with disabilities, child care centres, fitness centres, beauty parlours, licensed guesthouses, club-houses, or premises for food license holders, laundry trade or dishware washing trade.

Which items will be eligible for the subsidy?

Turnkey retrofitting, upgrading or new installation of energy-efficient electrical facilities, equipment, installations or appliances for kitchen, laundry or water heating at the eligible premises listed above.

How much is the subsidy amount for the eligbile project? Does the subsidy include installation cost?

HK Electric provides full subsidies on the cost of eligible project for the successful Applicant. The maximum subsidy amount shall be capped to HK$500,000 per eligible premises (Category 1) or HK$300,000 per eligible premises (Category 2). The Eligible Project Cost of the Projects is the aggregate of the costs of design, materials, installation, testing, commissioning, project management and other associated works necessary for the completion of the Projects on a turnkey basis.

Can I apply for more than one project in one application?

Applicants can apply more than one project in one application. The subsidy cap is HK$500,000 per eligible premises (Category 1) or HK$300,000 per eligible premises (Category 2).

How to apply for the subsidy?

The eligible Applicants can download the application form from HK Electric website. Then submit a duly completed application form together with the required document to HK Electric by email to SPCF@hkelectric.com. (Please mark "Application for Energy-efficient Community Subsidy" and the premises name in the email subject)

What is the application procedures for the Programme?

After submitting the application form and the required documents, HK Electric will assess application and carry out pre-project inspection. The Applicant can proceed to award contract upon HK Electric's approval and complete installation. When the project is completed, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) shall conduct an on-site post-project inspection. Upon satisfactory post-installation inspection, HK Electric will arrange to disburse the subsidy .

Can I apply for the subsidy if the installations are completed before 1 January 2020?

The Projects must be commenced after 1 January 2020. Also, no work has been carried out, and no contract has been awarded for the Projects at any time prior to or during the Application, and will remain so until the return of the Letter of Undertaking to HK Electric.

How can I know the application progress?

After the Applicant has submitted the application documents, HK Electric will acknowledge receipt by email. For enquiry, please contact us at 2510 2701 within office hour or email us at SPCF@hkelectric.com.

FAQs — Smart to Care Subsidy Programme

What is the purpose of Smart to Care Subsidy Programme?

HK Electric provides full subsidies (capped at HK$300,000 (Category 1) or capped at HK$150,000 (Category 2)) for elderly/children and rehabilitation centres to implement gerontechnology and smart technology projects which provide an energy-efficient, safe, comfortable and/or convenient environment for the premises users.

When is the Programme opened for application?

Applications will be accepted from 1 January, 2020. For details, please visit HK Electric website (www.hkelectric.com/SPCF-en). The Programme is valid until 31 December, 2023.

Who are eligible to apply for the Programme?

The Projects are for premises within the supply area of HK Electric which are either:

Eligible Premises (Category 1) - Full subsidy capped at HK$300,000 per premises owned/operated by non-governmental organisations (NGOs); and

Eligible Premises (Category 2) - Full subsidy capped at HK$150,000 per premises owned/operated by eligible HK Electric's non-residential customers.

What projects will be covered under the subsidy?

Turnkey implementation of gerontechnology or smart technology equipment/systems at the eligible premises listed above.

How much is the subsidy amount for this project?

HK Electric provides full subsidies on the cost of eligible project for the successful Applicant. The maximum subsidy amount shall be capped to HK$300,000 per eligible premises (Category 1) or HK$150,000 per eligible premises (Category 2). The Eligible Project Cost of the Projects is the aggregate of the costs of design, materials, installation, testing, commissioning, project management and other associated works necessary for the completion of the Projects on a turnkey basis.

Can I apply for more than one project in one application?

Applicants can apply more than one project in one application. The subsidy cap is HK$300,000 per eligible premises (Category 1) or HK$150,000 per eligible premises (Category 2).

How to apply for the Programme?

Eligible applicants can download the application form on the HK Electric website. Then submit the completed application form together with the required document to HK Electric by email to SPCF@hkelectric.com. (Please mark "Smart to Care Subsidy Programme" and the premises name in the email subject)

What is the application procedures for the Programme?

After submitting the application form and the required documents, HK Electric will assess application and carry out pre-project inspection. The Applicant can proceed to award contract upon HK Electric's approval and complete installation. When the project is completed, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) shall conduct an on-site post-project inspection. Upon satisfactory post-installation inspection, HK Electric will arrange to disburse the subsidy.

Can I apply for the subsidy if the installations are completed before 1 January 2020?

The Projects must be commenced after 1 January 2020. Also, no work has been carried out, and no contract has been awarded for the Projects at any time prior to or during the Application, and will remain so until the return of the Letter of Undertaking to HK Electric.

How can I know the application progress?

After the Applicant has submitted the application documents, HK Electric will acknowledge receipt by email. For enquiry, please contact us at 2510 2701 within office hour or email us at SPCF@hkelectric.com.

FAQs — Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme

What is the purpose of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?

HK Electric launches the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme to subsidise non-residential customers including SMEs to retrofit or install energy-efficient equipment, including LED lights, air-conditioners with Grade 1 energy label and high energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.

When will the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme be launched?

Applications will be accepted from 1 January, 2020. For details, please visit HK Electric website (www.hkelectric.com/RM-en). The Programme is valid until 31 December, 2023.

Who is eligible for applying for the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?

HK Electric's non-residential customers (except temporary supply and government accounts) may apply for a capped subsidy to retrofit or install energy-efficient equipment at their premises.

What kinds of electrical equipment are included under the Energy-Efficient Subsidy Programme?

Eligible equipment includes:

Category 1

1. LED light bulb, downlight, light tube, light strip and panel light
2. Window or split type air-conditioners with Grade 1 energy label under the "Mandatory Energy-Efficiency Labelling Scheme" - Must be on the "Record of Listed Models in the Mandatory Energy-efficiency Labelling Scheme" (MEELS) by EMSD. Registration record can be found in EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel).

Category 2

1. High energy-efficient air-conditioning systems NOT under the "Mandatory Energy-efficiency Labelling Scheme",
i. including air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, variable refrigerant flow systems, and unitary air-conditioners; and
ii. must be of performance better than minimum coefficient of performance stipulated in the latest version of "Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation" issued by EMSD. The document can be accessed through www.emsd.gov.hk/beeo .

If retrofitting of original equipment which are for communal use at buildings, which subsidy should I apply?

For retrofitting of original equipment which are for communal use at buildings, the applicant shall first apply for Smart Power Building Fund (SPBF) (www.hkelectric.com/SPBF-en); the respective application for participating in this Programme will only be considered if the retrofitting of the original equipment under the application cannot be subsidised by the SPBF.

What is the subsidy amount for this programme? Are the equipment installation costs included?

Eligible customers can receive 50% of purchase net price of the equipment after relevant discount, excluding delivery and installation charges. For category 1 equipment, the subsidy amount is capped at HK$50,000 per account; for category 2 equipment, the subsidy amount is capped at HK$150,000. The aggregate of subsidies under both Category 1 and Category 2 is subject to an overall cap of HK$150,000 between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023 inclusive while funding of the Scheme lasts.

How to apply for the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme?

Eligible customers can download the application form on the HK Electric website and submit the completed application form (together with the proof of purchase, goods delivery note (if any) and completed Appendix I with photos attached for Category 1 application) to HK Electric via email (sme@hkelectric.com) or by post (Head of Customer Business Development, Customer Services Division, 4/F, Hongkong Electric Centre, 44 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong).

How will the subsidy amount of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme be disbursed?

Subsidy will be disbursed to the designated electricity account and will be used for paying electricity charges. The subsidy payment will be used for paying electricity charges after the Government's Electricity Charges Subsidy (if any) in the electricity account has been fully utilized for electricity charges payment.

What is the application procedure for this programme?

For category 1 equipment, customers can submit application form AFTER installation with necessary documents. After assessing the application by HK Electric, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) will conduct sample post-installation inspection. HK Electric will disburse subsidy to the designated electricity account for approved application.

For category 2 equipment, customers shall submit application form together with necessary document BEFORE installation. HK Electric will assess application and conduct pre-installation inspection.The Applicant can proceed to purchase and install the equipment upon HK Electric's approval. After installation, HK Electric (or its designated service provider) will again conduct post-installation inspection and disburse subsidy to the designated electricity account upon satisfactory post-installation inspection.

Can I apply for this programme if the energy-efficient equipment is replaced or upgraded before 1 January, 2020?

The energy-efficient equipment must be purchased or replaced within the period between 1 January, 2020 to 31 December, 2023, and met the requirement of the Energy-efficient Equipment Subsidy Programme to be eligible.

How can I check the application progress?

Successful applicant will receive a confirmation email from HK Electric. For enquiries, please contact us during office hours at 2510 2701 or email to sme@hkelectric.com.

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FAQs — Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme

What kind of subsidy does the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme provide?

Successful applicant's household will be granted a one-off subsidy capped at HK$5,000 to replace existing appliances by more energy-efficient models, install new energy-efficient appliances and/or arrange handy improvement works for the safe use of electricity.

What are the eligibility criteria for applying for the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme?

​An application for participation in the Appliances Programme will only be considered if the applicant's household is located within HK Electric's supply territory and fulfills any one of the following criteria:
1. Any member of the household is a beneficiary of the HKSAR Government's Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme;
2. Any member of the household is a registered customer under HK Electric's Concessionary Tariff Schemes;
3. The household is a tenant of subdivided unit (SDU) with any member of the household being a beneficiary of one of the following schemes administered by the HKSAR Government:
i. Old Age Living Allowance (OALA),
ii. Working Family Allowance (WFA),
iii. School Textbook Assistance (TA); or
4. The household resides at transitional housing, including the projects operated by Hong Kong Housing Authority and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

How do I apply for the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme?

All applications shall be arranged through St. James' Settlement (Contact number: 2596 2727). Upon receipt of an application request, representatives of St. James' Settlement will conduct a visit to the applicant's household for making the application and refer to HK Electric for approval.

What kinds of electrical appliances are included under the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme?

There are ten types of electrical appliances under the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme, including window-type air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, television, dehumidifier, storage electric water heater, induction cooker, electric water boiler, rice cooker and electric fan.

What kinds of handy improvement works are included under the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme?

The handy improvement works under the Energy-efficient Appliances Subsidy Programme cover the situations of untidy, aging and worn-out electric wiring, electric wiring/installations with conductive part exposed, loosen/mal-function sockets/switches and replace socket cover(s) (maximum 3 covers).

FAQs — SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme

What is the subsidy amount of the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme?

The subsidy amount of the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme is HK$600 per SDU household per year. The eligible SDU households need to file application every year.

Who is eligible to applying for the participation of the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme?

An application for participation in the Programme will only be considered if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The SDU is located in HK Electric's supply territory and is not installed with an individual HK Electric's tariff meter; and
2. The applicant must be a member of the household residing in the SDU (the Household); and
3. The applicant is a Senior Citizen Card holder or the Household is facing financial difficulties as recommended by the assessment centre.

How can I apply for the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme?

Applicant can apply for the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme in person at the assessment centres by submitting a duly completed application form together with the original documentary proof for verification purpose.

For the list and details of assessment centres, please refer to paragraph 4.1 of the Guide to Application.

What kinds of documentary proof do I need to obtain in order to apply for the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme?

Applicant is required to provide the following documents for verification purpose:
1. HKID Card/Passport; and
2. Documentary proof of tenant agreement or the rental payment receipt within recent 3 months of the date of application; and
3. Senior Citizen Card (if applicable) ; and
4. Documentary proof stating applicant's sole-name Hong Kong Dollar saving / current local bank account number (e.g. first page of passbook, bank statement or letter issued by bank, copy of this proof must be submitted together with the completed application form).

How will the subsidy amount of the SDU Electricity Charges Relief Programme be disbursed?

Upon approval of the application by HK Electric, HK Electric shall arrange disbursement of the approved subsidy amount which will be credited directly to the applicant's designated bank account in his or her name.

FAQs — SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme

What kind of subsidy does the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme provide?

SDU households with no HK Electric's tariff meter can apply for a one-off subsidy of HK$15,000 for each SDU (up to a maximum subsidy of HK$45,000 per Flat) for rewiring works to install individual HK Electric's tariff meter.

Who are eligible to applying for participation in the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme?

A Flat sub-divided into SDUs is eligible for participation in the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme (the Programme) if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The Flat is located in HK Electric's supply territory, and none of the SDUs of the Flat is installed with a HK Electric's tariff meter;
2. The households residing in each and every SDU of the Flat all agree to apply for the subsidy under the Programme for rewiring works in the Flat;
3. At least one of the households have at least one member who:
i. is referred and recommended by a non-governmental organisation which is either a member of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, or an organisation providing subvention services under the Social Welfare Department of the HKSAR Government (the NGO); and/or
ii. is a beneficiary under one of the following schemes administered by the HKSAR Government:
- Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA),
- Old Age Living Allowance (OALA),
- Working Family Allowance (WFA),
- School Textbook Assistance (TA), and
4. The Households have obtained permission from the owner of the Flat and/or the Building Owners' Corporation to carry on the rewiring works.

How to apply the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme?

The applicants' households can refer to the Guide to Application of the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme and download the application form from HK Electric's website. For enquiries, the applicants can contact the hotline of Smart Power Care Fund at 2510 2701.

What kinds of documents do I need to obtain in order to apply for the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme?

Each and every SDU Household should appoint one Household member as an Applicant.

The Households who intend to apply for the programme shall submit to HK Electric the completed application form, duly signed by all Applicants and the completed consent form duly signed by Owner of the Flat, together with copies of following documents. Application with incomplete signature, information or documents will not be processed.
1. If any, documentary proof showing the relevant Applicants are Qualified Scheme Beneficiaries; and
2. Documentary proof of SDU tenant agreement or the SDU rental payment receipt within recent 3 months of the date of application.

How will the subsidy of the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme be disbursed?

Rewiring works will be conducted by a Registered Electrical Contractor appointed by HK Electric.

The cost of rewiring works will be deducted from the subsidy cap. The balance of the subsidy cap shall not be disbursed to the approved Applicants in any form (e.g. cash, goods and services).

FAQs — NGO Catering Subsidy Programme

What is the purpose of NGO Catering Subsidy Programme?

HK Electric subsidises NGOs in its supply territory to arrange catering activities for the needy involving consumption at SME eateries. HK Electric expects this arrangement may generate additional business for the Participating Eateries of "Care and Share" SME Caterers Subsidy Scheme.

When will NGO Catering Subsidy Programme be effective?

31 December 2020: HK Electric publishes Programme website and open for application

31 December 2021: Last effective date of subsidy

How to apply for NGO Catering Subsidy Programme?

Interested NGO may download the application form from HK Electric website. The completed application form should be submitted to HK Electric via email (coupon@hkelectric.com) or by post (Head of Customer Business Development, Customer Services Division, 4/F Hongkong Electric Centre, 44 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong) for approval. Please contact our delegated team at 2510 2701 if you have any enquiry on application procedures.

What are the eligibility criteria for applying for NGO Catering Subsidy Programme?

The application will be considered if the NGO(s) is(are) non-profit-making and is either a member of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, and the Participating Centre(s), which is(are) arranging activities, is(are) located within HK Electric's supply territory. The Participating Centre(s) should provide catering activities for underprivileged families and the needy.

What is the subsidy amount?

For each of the NGO's Centre(s) approved by HK Electric, the total subsidy amount (the Subsidy) is capped at HK$30,000. The Subsidy shall solely be used by the Participating Centre which received such Subsidy, and shall not be used by any other Centres of the NGO whether they are the Participating Centres or not.

Is Participating NGO allowed to arrange food & beverage services at any eateries?

The Subsidy shall be incurred at eateries participating in HK Electric's "Care and Share" SME Caterers Subsidy Scheme. Participating Centre may arrange other eateries for providing food & beverage services at the same activity, such expenses, however, will not be subsidised by this Programme.

What kind of report should be submitted by the Participating NGO?

The Participating Centre shall submit to HK Electric on or before the 15th of each calendar month a Activity Report carried out in the previous calendar month (which is within the Validity Period) for HK Electric's approval. The Activity Report shall include but not limited to the date and time, venue, target group, format, number of participants, Expenses, promotional material of each activity and a copy each of the corresponding official receipts from the Participating Eateries. Any expenses, which are not timely reported to HK Electric, shall be borne by the NGO or Participating Centre.