20 million small households to pay 3 baht per unit for electricity

The Cabinet approved, in principle, the national energy agenda today, which will see a reduction in the electricity rate to 3 baht/unit, for households which consume no more than 200 units per month, and the introduction of a buyback scheme for surplus electricity produced by rooftop solar panel households.

About 20 million households will benefit from the reduced price, with the first such billing scheduled for June, said Rachada Dhnadirek, the government spokesperson.

For households which use more than 300 units per month, she said the government understands their concerns and will inform them of measures to address the problem in due course.

Under the national energy agenda, Rachada said the government will promote and support the generation of clean energy by the private sector, such as the installation of rooftop solar panels, with the government agreeing to introduce a scheme to purchase surplus electricity, tentatively at a rate of 2.20 baht per unit. The matter is expected to be finalised by the National Energy Commission at its meeting tomorrow.

The government is also emphasising efficient energy usage and conservation by setting a 20% reduction in energy consumption by all state agencies. All street lighting bulbs will be replaced by LEDs, in parallel with the installation of more solar-powered lighting system, said Rachada.

The government has also agreed to promote the production and use of electric cars in the country, as well as the installation of additional public charging stations, battery rotation stations, the promotion of bio energy through the recycling of farm waste and the promotion of the use bio fuel by the transport sector.