BANGKOK, THAILAND – The energy regulator is pressuring electricity providers and bringing clarity to public electricity costs, with new meters to be installed by 2026 and a proposed ten percent cap on consumption to relieve consumers. The authority also signals: should the government reverse the policy, it will immediately follow suit.
Ten Percent Limit Protects Electricity Customers
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) unequivocally states that public electricity will be billed according to the decisions of the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) – and no further. Electricity providers are permitted to charge a maximum of 10 percent of the consumption volume in their respective areas as public costs.
“The commission protects the interests of citizens and does not allow arbitrary additional burdens.”
said Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the ERC Office and spokesperson for the authority.
Electricity Meter Offensive by 2026
To ensure transparent and correct billing, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) must install meters across their service areas. The rollout began in 2023.
The MEA plans to complete the work by 2026. The PEA is lagging behind, with its nationwide service area making the installation more complex. The ERC Office announces that it will closely monitor and accelerate the process.
If the Government Reverses the Policy
Dr. Poonpat did not rule out the possibility that the rules of engagement could fundamentally change. Should the government revoke old NEPC decisions and oblige electricity providers to collect public electricity costs directly from the authorities responsible for the installations, the ERC is prepared.
“If there is a change in policy that repeals previous NEPC decisions and directs electricity providers to collect costs for public electricity from the authorities responsible for the electrical equipment, the ERC is ready to pursue and supervise this in accordance with the NEPC decision,”
explained the spokesperson.
An Idea from 1987
The debate surrounding public electricity is not a new issue. Dr. Poonpat recalled that the basis was a cabinet decision from 1987. Since then, the policy has been adapted multiple times to changing consumption conditions and the national context.
The ERC therefore views the current provisions not as an isolated hasty measure, but as part of a decades-long approach.
Deadline 2026 – Supervision Remains Vigilant
For citizens, the roadmap means that by 2026 there should be no more uncertainties regarding public electricity costs. The ERC will not let electricity providers off the hook and has made it clear that it will closely accompany the implementation.