Six Homeplus stores have received notices warning of possible electricity cutoffs over unpaid utility bills, as the troubled retailer faces mounting financial pressure.
According to industry sources Tuesday, Homeplus stores in Pocheon, Goyang, Namyangju and Paju are scheduled to face disconnections between Oct. 27 and 30. Another store in Songdo, Incheon, is expected to face a cutoff in November.
Under Korea Electric Power Corp.’s supply terms, the utility issues a cutoff notice when electricity bills remain unpaid for two months. Power supply may be suspended after three months of nonpayment, although disconnection can be postponed.
The potential shutdowns threaten not only Homeplus but also businesses operating inside its stores. Around 10 tenants at each affected location are reportedly hoping to continue operating.
Homeplus is struggling with a severe cash shortage and has reportedly been forced to pay employees part of their wages in installments, raising concerns that it may be unable to settle its overdue electricity bills.
A Homeplus official said the stores would be unable to operate if the power cuts went ahead.
milaya@heraldcorp.com
