In response to economic downturn, the Government had reduced the SC and TES in 2002/03 and 2003/04 to ease the burden of the community and businesses.

In 2002/03, the SC payable by each registered consumer in a 12-month period were reduced by an amount not exceeding $200 or $800 for domestic and non-domestic purposes respectively. As regards the TES payable, they were reduced by 30% for one year.

In 2003/04, for bills issued from August to November 2003, the SC payable by each registered consumer in the 4-month period were reduced by an amount not exceeding $67 or $533 for domestic and non-domestic purposes respectively. As regards the TES payable, they were reduced by 60% for bills issued within that period.