Bangkok: The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is gearing up to issue licenses for electricity sales to data centers as part of a strategic move to regulate the burgeoning industry's power consumption.
According to Thai News Agency, the ERC is refining its licensing process to ensure that electricity sales from data centers do not adversely affect the public or existing industries. Dr. Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General and spokesperson for the ERC, emphasized the importance of regulating the power system-generation, transmission, and distribution-to safeguard the country's energy security and prevent competition for electricity with current industries and residents. This initiative was highlighted during the "Foresight AGE Dialogue: Thailand's Energy Security in a Volatile World" seminar, which underscored the data center industry's high electricity demands.
The ERC board believes that to maintain power system stability, licensing measures are essential for the sale of electricity to data centers. Comprehensive information from relevant agencies will be scrutinized, focusing on economic development and the power system. This approach aims to prioritize electricity sales licenses based on project significance, ensuring transparency and national benefit.
Dr. Poolpat further mentioned that the ERC plans to collaborate with national economic development agencies to evaluate the economic benefits of each project. They will rely on data from the National Power System Control Center to assess the generation system's capacity and ensure adequate electricity supply. The ERC will also evaluate the transmission and distribution systems' ability to meet demand without impacting existing communities and industries. If investment is required, associated costs will be considered.
The ERC assures that these measures will not affect electricity bills for citizens. The "Foresight AGE Dialogue" workshop, held on June 22, 2026, at Chulalongkorn University's Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, facilitated discussions on energy, the economy, and the data center industry's growth. The ERC will incorporate the insights gained to develop regulatory guidelines that support future industries while ensuring energy security and sustainable national development.