Bangkok: Major overhaul imminent! Prime Minister Polpeerapong pushes for plan to remove "public electricity charges" from citizens' bills, citing 30 years of bearing this burden. He urges restructuring of the three electricity authorities to secure annual compensation of 20 billion baht, emphasizing that public tax money will not be used to subsidize the system. He affirms the plan will proceed as quickly as possible, aiming for immediate implementation through a ministerial regulation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Polpeera Suwannachavi, Deputy Minister of Interior, in his capacity as supervisor of the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, discussed the reform of the energy pricing structure, specifically separating public electricity charges from citizens' electricity bills. He stated that following discussions with Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Minister of Energy, the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), two to three proposals were reached to remove the fuel adjustment charge (FT) from the burden on citizens. He added that after the presentation of the 2027 budget, further discussions will be held with Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
When asked whether it was necessary to amend the law or issue a ministerial regulation, Mr. Polpeer said that the overall cost of public lighting, including both local and highway systems, is approximately 20 billion baht per year. This is divided into 6 billion baht per year for local electricity, which requires reviewing the tax payment mechanisms of the three electricity authorities, adjusting internal structures, and possibly restructuring each agency. The power distribution system of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) also needs to be examined. Therefore, a complete system overhaul is necessary so that citizens do not have to pay for electricity beyond what they already use. He added that if a ministerial regulation needs to be amended, it must be submitted to the Cabinet for immediate implementation.
Regarding the timeframe for implementation, General Phonlapir affirmed that it would be done as quickly as possible, as the public has already waited 30 years and feels burdened by this responsibility.
Regarding budget allocation for this area, Mr. Phonlapir stated that the government is reluctant to use taxpayer money for this purpose, as it would burden the public with additional costs. He emphasized that this requires integrated cooperation among the three electricity authorities, and that all available revenue must also be used to support this effort.