TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet said it may be unable to afford electricity in May due to budget cuts.

A Cabinet official told CNA that staff have been working to save electricity and cut down on spending in response to budget cuts and freezes passed by the legislature in January. The official said the Cabinet has earmarked NT$330 million (NT$10.14 million) for operating expenses this year, which covers utility, travel, communications, and temporary staff costs.

The legislature cut the Cabinet’s funding by NT$150 million and froze 70% of its funding. The Cabinet can apply to the legislature to unfreeze the funding after spending the first 30%.

Because of the cuts, the Cabinet said it has canceled newspaper and cable TV subscriptions, removed paper towels from restrooms, and coffee machines from some staffers’ offices. It said it has also restricted the opening hours of its libraries, and plans limited hours for air conditioning use.

The official said the Cabinet will ask the legislature to unfreeze the funding as soon as possible. They said Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has asked all ministries to apply within less than a month.