According to statistics, Taiwan's electricity consumption continues to rise annually. However, amid increasing demand, a segment of the population struggles to use electricity efficiently. Experts suggest that improving Taiwan’s energy poverty issue requires enhancing energy welfare. This approach would make energy transitions more tangible for citizens, reduce overall electricity consumption, and increase disposable household income.
In recent years, many corporations have embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), balancing business growth with contributions to society. They encourage employees and customers to extend a helping hand to marginalized groups who remain hidden in the shadows.
The First Step to Helping Low-Income Households: Digital Billing
The Ministry of Economic Affairs recently released energy statistics showing that from 2013 to 2017, Taiwan’s electricity consumption steadily increased. Except for a slight dip in 2015 due to an economic slowdown, annual electricity usage has grown by an average of 1.6%. In 2017 alone, consumption reached a record high of 261.4 billion kWh, with residential electricity use rising by approximately 0.4%.
Statistics show that electricity consumption in residential and service sectors exhibits clear seasonal variations, peaking during summer. Between July and September, total electricity consumption rose from 69.5 billion kWh in 2015 to 72.4 billion kWh in 2017, indicating a continuous increase in summer power usage.
Taishin Bank has recognized this social issue and partnered with DOMI, Taiwan’s first B Corp, to contribute to the welfare of energy-poor households.
Unlike traditional donation-based charity efforts, Taishin Bank has created an innovative interactive platform to encourage public participation. By switching to digital billing, individuals can collectively help replace inefficient light bulbs in energy-poor households with LED energy-saving bulbs. This initiative not only brings hope to disadvantaged families but also helps reduce their monthly expenses, allowing them more financial flexibility for other necessities. Additionally, it alleviates overall electricity demand.
The Environmental Cost of Paper Billing: The Equivalent of Half of Da'an Forest Park Disappearing Every Month
"Taiwan mails at least 75 million paper bills per month," said Huang Tianlin. These include utility, financial, and telecom bills. Besides being environmentally unfriendly, the carbon emissions from delivering these bills amount to approximately 475,000 kg monthly. This process consumes about 170 million A4-sized sheets of paper, equivalent to cutting down 21,000 trees—an area comparable to half of Da’an Forest Park disappearing every month.
Although Taiwan has actively promoted digital billing in recent years, the adoption rate remains low at just 5%.
Despite the slow uptake of digital billing, Taishin Bank has made significant progress, with over 30% of its credit card customers now using electronic or mobile billing—far ahead of its competitors.
A survey conducted by Taishin Bank found that with the increasing number of credit cardholders, over 2 million customers receive monthly statements. If more users switch to digital billing, nearly 500 fewer 12-meter-high trees would need to be cut down each month, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability while also advancing its mission to help energy-poor households.
Leading by Example: Taishin Bank Adopts Over 20 Households Before Customer Conversion
Since 2015, the Taipei City Government has commissioned DOMI to help low-income households replace inefficient lighting with energy-saving fixtures. The results have been promising—many families have experienced a noticeable improvement in quality of life. Some have saved enough on electricity bills to cover the rent for a 4- to 5-ping (approximately 13-16 square meters) apartment. Additionally, children no longer need to study under the fluorescent lights of convenience stores but can complete their homework at home.
Huang Tianlin pointed out that although Taipei is a highly developed city, many families in energy poverty spend a significant portion of their monthly income on electricity. Providing them with energy-efficient appliances, such as lighting and air conditioning, can make a tangible difference in their lives.
To make this dream a reality, a group of young employees at Taishin Bank brainstormed ways to merge customer engagement with social welfare. Their goal was to create a platform where the bank, its customers, and families in need could join forces to generate positive social impact.
"Taishin Bank has already adopted more than 20 energy-poor households, with no upper limit on the number of beneficiaries," said Huang Tianlin. "By collaborating with B Corporation DOMI, we hope to educate consumers that environmental conservation and energy efficiency are integral to corporate sustainability." He emphasized that the key is not just thinking about conversion but actively encouraging customers to participate and contribute to Taiwanese society.
Small Actions, Big Impact: Saving Electricity Can Cover Rent for Low-Income Families
Huang Tianlin explained that banks traditionally incentivize digital billing adoption by offering small gifts. However, Taishin Bank has taken a different approach—integrating shared economy principles and business strategies to connect its vast customer base. Through this initiative, customers can see firsthand how their transition to digital billing directly lights up an energy-saving lamp in a Taiwanese household. "Instead of receiving a small gift, why not make a meaningful impact with a simple action?"
As part of this campaign, for every 1,000 Taishin credit card customers who successfully switch to digital billing, Taishin Bank will provide an energy-poor household with energy-efficient lighting. The initiative aims to instill a sense of social responsibility in customers while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to sustainability. The company has already begun executing its lamp replacement plan, hoping to inspire broader participation and set off a ripple effect of positive change.
Green Finance: Sustainability and Social Responsibility Go Hand in Hand
Taishin Bank remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), not only by promoting digital billing and helping energy-poor households replace LED lights for free but also by integrating green finance principles. This approach aligns with social consensus and effectively mitigates financial risks.
Key green finance initiatives include prioritizing environmentally friendly procurement by selecting suppliers with certifications in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. The bank also integrates sustainability into its business model by investing in green energy technologies, biotechnology, circular economy projects, and sustainable agriculture. In addition, Taishin Bank’s Neihu office building is equipped with solar panels and purchases renewable energy.
From an investment perspective, Taishin Bank provides financial support to companies in the renewable energy, energy conservation, and circular economy sectors, helping them secure capital market funding.
By actively promoting green finance and social welfare initiatives such as the energy-poor household lighting program, Taishin Bank hopes that the spirit of CSR will continue to grow and be passed on to the future generations.
