Report Thai Electricity Bills to Remain High Despite Lower Fuel Costs

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s electricity bills are set to stay high throughout the year, despite decreasing fuel costs, lower demand, and a stronger baht. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has decided to maintain the power tariff at 3.98 baht per unit, disregarding opportunities to reduce costs.

 

The ERC's decision means that consumers will continue to face unchanged bills until at least the end of August. This is largely due to the need to address significant debts within state utilities, explained Poonapat Leesombatpiboon, the ERC Secretary General. “The power tariff remains high as we need to allocate parts of electricity bills to reimburse EGAT and PTT,” he stated.

 

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has accumulated losses exceeding 66 billion baht due to previous price subsidies, while PTT Plc is grappling with a 15 billion baht shortfall. The current rate is intended to gradually reduce these debts but is insufficient for complete recovery. The 3.98 baht per unit rate will recover only 7.07 billion baht from EGAT, leaving substantial debts unresolved.

 

Two other rates, 4.87 baht and 5.10 baht per unit, were considered during public consultations. The highest rate would have cleared all debts by December, while the mid-rate would have assisted EGAT’s financial recovery. Nonetheless, the ERC chose the lowest rate, sparking confusion, given the indications of upcoming cheaper energy.

 

Fuel costs, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), are projected to decrease by 4.5% to 299 baht per million BTU from September to December. Lignite prices are also expected to drop by 7% to 3,600 baht per tonne. Together, these account for over 60% of Thailand’s electricity production.

 

Additionally, electricity demand is anticipated to decline by 8.2% due to cooler weather and increased reliance on cheaper sources like coal and hydropower. The baht's expected appreciation to 32.9 per US dollar will further reduce fuel import costs.

 

Despite these factors, the ERC's focus remains on debt recovery, leaving the public to bear the cost. Consumers are invited to share their views on the rate options — 3.98, 4.87, or 5.10 baht per unit — through the ERC’s website between July 17 and 28. However, critics argue that this choice presents a lose-lose scenario: either pay now or face higher costs in the future.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

[John Drake]

12 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Two other rates, 4.87 baht and 5.10 baht per unit, were considered during public consultations. 

 

Expect one of these two for next April and May.

[liddelljohn]

compared to UK electric price  per KWH  its 4x less than Thailand. 

Thai price for Electric  is a bargain UK is ripoff because of ED   woke Moribunds net zero idiocy 

[edwinchester]

1 hour ago, liddelljohn said:

compared to UK electric price  per KWH  its 4x less than Thailand. 

Thai price for Electric  is a bargain UK is ripoff because of ED   woke Moribunds net zero idiocy 

Good price for expats in Thailand but very high if your on pay of 400 bht a day.

[Will B Good]

 

I think our meter is dodgy.

 

We have the air on (two units) from 1pm through to 9am the following day, everyday ........and our biggest bill this year has been 1,800B.....??

 

Does that sound correct?

[CallumWK]

7 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

Good price for expats in Thailand but very high if your on pay of 400 bht a day.

 

Those on a 400 baht pay don't have 4 aircons, a swimming pool and an irrigation system.

 

They use very little electricity, and I think most are paying nothing, since they are below a certain usage limit.