Energy minister ties up with PTT to lower energy costs

By The Nation

 

Sontirat

 

Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong is collaborating with PTT Plc to find ways of reducing the cost of electricity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

 

“We believe we should be able to announce some measures in September,” the minister said, adding that the aim will be to make electricity cheaper for SMEs, so they are not burdened by high production costs. 

 

“We cannot say what kind of measure it will be, but we have an idea and it has to be discussed with PTT before we decide how to implement it,” he said. 

 

The Energy Ministry is also working with the Finance Ministry on special measures for the low-income strata that will be implemented through the state welfare card. 

 

Under these measures, welfare card holders will be divided into two groups: disabled people who cannot work, and people employed as taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers and chauffeurs. The first group will require a subsidy on electricity, while the second group will require a reduction in energy costs, he said. 

 

PTT Plc is currently helping the second group by reducing the price of natural gas for vehicles (NGV), he said.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30375258

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-08-26

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6 minutes ago, webfact said:

find ways of reducing the cost of electricity

I did so find a way Mr Minister Sontirat, by buying solar and installing, my return on my investment has been eroded by the pure grab for money, no bonus baht for helping the environment, 

can you also look at my problem and no doubt others,

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

The first group will require a subsidy on electricity,

who have also invested in the Sun.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Under these measures, welfare card holders will be divided into two groups

Why just these two groups (statistically it would have to be three groups with the third group being "Other")?

Why not all those on welfare?

• NESDB states that there are 4-5 million people whose revenues are below the poverty line. https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/62346-thailands-welfare-card-shortcomings-the-poor-were-not-registered-and-the-registered-not-poor.html
• 45% of the employees are unskilled workers.  https://www.peoplemattersglobal.com/news/global-perspective/thailand-faces-shortage-of-skills-and-young-workers-20757

The Cabinet identified previously abuse of the new Welfare card by those people not qualified for welfare. Shouldn't the abuse be resolved and prevented first before expanding welfare to lower energy costs?

Bank of Thailand keeps taking in hot money inflows from the ChiComs.  This in turn drives the Baht higher every day. And if this continues for two more years—even the remaining expats will qualify for the low income subsidies.