Energy minister calls hidden street lighting charges on household bills unfair

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said today that households have, for years, been charged for street lighting without their knowledge, a practice he considers unfair and has pledged to review.

He said this public utility charge should be separated from household electricity bills, which would reduce electricity costs for households.

He also said the Energy Ministry will review contracts for the purchase of wind and solar power from private producers to determine whether charges can be reduced for the benefit of end users.

Meanwhile, Natt Mongkolnavin, an expert in digital markets and strategic social information, said in a Facebook post that street lighting charges nationwide account for 2–2.5% of total electricity consumption, or about 10 to 15 satang per unit of electricity used.

In some countries, such as the United States and the UK, he said street lighting charges are not included in residential electricity bills because local taxes already cover public utility services.

In Brazil, however, he said street lighting charges are clearly separated in households’ monthly electricity bills, so consumers know how much they contribute to public utility costs each month.

He added that street lighting costs should be the responsibility of local governments, while highway lighting should be funded by the Highways Department through the state budget.