On the 24th, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) issued an appeal to Hanam City, which is not responding to the administrative adjudication urging the company to stop delaying the indoor installation and expansion project at the Dongsuh Substation in East Seoul.
Through an appeal titled 'Appeal to urge the construction permit for the power grid in Hanam City,' KEPCO criticized, 'Although the Gyeonggi Provincial Administrative Adjudication Commission made a clear legal decision last December stating that it would cancel Hanam City's disapproval, Hanam City is ignoring this and delaying the permit process,' adding, 'The power grid expansion project is facing a significant crisis due to the local government's irresponsible and unreasonable administration.'
The conflict between KEPCO and Hanam City stems from the fact that the indoor installation and expansion project at the Dongsuh Substation has yet to break ground. This project is one of the key sections of the East Coast to the Metropolitan Area high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project. The East Coast to Metropolitan Area HVDC project seeks to send electricity produced by thermal and nuclear power plants located along the coast of Gangwon Province to the Dongsuh Substation in the coastal area of Uljin County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, where it is boosted to 500 kV and sent through approximately 230 km of transmission lines to the metropolitan area.
The electricity that arrives in the metropolitan area is adjusted to the appropriate voltage at the new Gapyung Substation in Gapyung County and the Dongsuh Substation in Hanam City before being sent to consumers. However, the opposition from Hanam City regarding the indoor installation and expansion project has created a situation where electricity sent from the East Coast cannot be consumed in the metropolitan area, even if the transmission lines are constructed.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Administrative Adjudication Commission ruled last December that Hanam City's decision to reject the substation expansion was unjust. However, Hanam City is demanding a reconsideration from KEPCO, citing concerns about electromagnetic waves and urban aesthetics. Despite the fact that the decision by the Gyeonggi Provincial Administrative Adjudication Commission carries legal binding power rather than being a recommendation, Hanam City has refused to comply for over four months. In response, KEPCO employees have been continuing a one-person protest in front of Hanam City Hall holding placards stating, 'The power supply is urgent' since the 16th.
KEPCO stated, 'This is an unjust administrative action that ignores the rule of law and an irresponsible act that threatens national energy security,' adding, 'If the delay in the construction of the power grid continues as it is, we will have to use more expensive electricity instead of the abundant and cheaper electricity from the East Coast.' It continued, 'The factors contributing to this increase in rates amount to 300 billion won annually, and ultimately that burden will fall on the public,' asserting, 'If this continues, it might lead to an absurd situation where a highway is fully constructed but cannot be used because there is no tollgate.'
KEPCO also refuted the claims made by Hanam City regarding a lack of community acceptance and electromagnetic wave concerns. KEPCO stated, 'To ensure community acceptance, we voluntarily conducted more than seven briefings, and since this project will only be carried out within the site of the existing substation that has been operating for 46 years, we continuously explained to the residents that it would not infringe on their living areas,' adding, 'We have decided to bury some of the transmission lines underground and relocate outdoor equipment inside the building, even if it incurs more expenses.' It further emphasized, 'We are forming a sound and scenic improvement cooperative with local residents to consider building design and aesthetics together,' stating, 'This project is not just about installing power facilities, but we plan to develop it as a multipurpose complex building where staff will work regularly.'
Regarding concerns about electromagnetic waves, KEPCO noted, 'While we understand the emotional aspect, the arguments are at the level of unfounded rumors that lack scientific evidence, like the notion that 'sleeping with a fan on can kill you.' We found through measurements at 51 locations requested by residents by a certified professional institution that the electromagnetic waves around the substation are at the level produced by household appliances like refrigerators and TVs. The substation should now be recognized as one of the 'public neighborhood facilities' similar to post offices, police stations, and fire stations.'