내각, 관세 개혁 승인, 6월부터 초기 200단위에 대해 3바트 상한선

The cabinet has approved a package of measures to ease household electricity costs and push a national energy agenda aimed at mitigating the impact of volatile energy prices, promoting efficient energy use, easing the burden on the public and reducing reliance on imported fuel.

The cabinet has approved a package of measures to ease household electricity costs and push a national energy agenda aimed at mitigating the impact of volatile energy prices, promoting efficient energy use, easing the burden on the public and reducing reliance on imported fuel.

Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek announced the outcome of the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying the government had endorsed the national energy agenda and instructed relevant agencies and the National Energy Policy Council to implement it.

The measure will benefit residential electricity users by capping the rate for the first 200 units of household consumption at no more than three baht per unit for the June billing cycle, providing relief to about 20 million households, she said.

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan on Tuesday submitted a proposal to the cabinet for a new household electricity pricing structure that he said would cut overall power costs by 30 to 40%. 

Speaking before the cabinet meeting, Mr Akanat said the revised structure would cap electricity charges for the first 200 units at no more than three baht per unit, with usage between 201 and 400 units charged at 3.95 baht per unit, and above 400 units at a new rate of five baht per unit.

The minister said rising electricity prices were largely driven by the fuel tariff (Ft), which is linked to imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices. LNG prices surged with the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, doubling gas costs and pushing up electricity tariffs because Thailand is heavily reliant on gas-fired power generation.

Mr Akanat said the new tariff formula would lower electricity prices system-wide by 30–40%. The restructuring would apply only to residential users and would not affect businesses, large industrial operators, agricultural users or those on time-of-use (TOU) metering systems, he added. About 20 million to 23 million households would be covered by the new fee structure, with all users receiving the lower rate for the first 200 units.

Asked whether consumers of more than 400 units a month would have to pay five baht for all the power they used, he said this was not the case. The tariff rate would be progressive and tiered. The higher five-baht band applies only to units above 400. The current average electricity price is about 3.88 baht per unit.

Households consuming no more than 200 units would benefit the most, enjoying a reduction of about 20%, Mr Akanat said. Those using more than 200 units would still benefit from the cheaper rate applied to the first 200 units, translating into an overall saving of around 10%.

As part of the agenda, the government is promoting rooftop solar installations, particularly for households consuming more than 200 units. Support measures include streamlined procedures allowing applicants to deal with a single agency and complete the process within 30 days, access to low-interest financing, instalment plans more affordable than standard electricity costs and a buyback scheme for excess power.

The government said it would buy surplus solar electricity generated by households at rates higher than those paid to large solar farms.

Ms Rachada said households that did not participate in the buyback programme may claim tax deductions, and state agencies were also being encouraged to install rooftop solar systems.

Other measures include promoting domestically produced electric bicycles and motorcycles, improving energy efficiency in government agencies and public street lighting and pursuing permanent reductions in electricity costs.

Cabinet approval will also be sought to accelerate renegotiation or cancellation of what the energy minister described as outdated electricity contract structures that had locked Thailand into excessively high power prices.

Mr Akanat added that he would attend a meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee to begin public consultations on the proposed changes. If approved through the remaining procedures, the new tariff structure is expected to take effect from the June billing cycle, with households paying the new rates by the end of June.