BANGKOK, THAILAND – The government indicated it would keep electricity prices unchanged for the May to August billing period, maintaining the tariff at 3.88 baht per unit.
Energy minister sets the course
Energy Minister Atthaphon Ruekpipool said on 17 March that, based on current information, electricity prices for the upcoming May to August period were not expected to rise.
The tariff was therefore intended to remain at the level of the current January to April round, which had been set at 3.88 baht per unit.
Government gathers data for new calculation
According to the minister, the government was currently collecting information and “factors from the surrounding environment” needed to calculate the new tariff period.
These basic inputs would flow into the upcoming cost calculation before the next electricity tariff could be officially announced.
Regulatory authority calculates the costs
The actual calculation of electricity costs lay with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), known in Thai as KkP, which carried out the procedure in line with its own rules.
The authority prepared several proposals and submitted them to a public hearing before formulating a recommendation.
Hearing and second review by policymakers
Only after the ERC completed its review and evaluated the feedback did the government plan to re-enter the assessment process.
The tariff for the next round was then to be officially announced and implemented.
Goal remains relief for households
The minister stressed that the government intended to use several mechanisms from different areas to prevent any increase.
“Price stability should prevent the population from being additionally burdened by higher electricity costs.”
said Atthaphon Ruekpipool, Energy Minister.
The overarching goal was to ease pressure on household budgets by keeping power bills stable.