On Energy Day, 41 plaintiffs filed a constitutional appeal against laws that allow general and industrial electricity users to purchase renewable energy but exclude residential consumers.
South Korean people who use electricity for private purposes are not given options to choose from power generated from conventional power generation sources such as thermal power plants, and electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as solar power plants. However, those who use electricity for industrial purposes can make a decision.
"About 15% of South Korea's electricity consumption is residential," said Kim Geon-young, a Solutions for Our Climate lawyer. "Current laws prevent households from choosing clean energy in response to climate change, while businesses have this option," Kim said.
The appeal argues these restrictions unfairly limit citizens' rights to make environmentally conscious choices.
