Electricity consumption is expected to grow by 4%

The Energy Policy and Planning Office predicts a 4% growth in electricity consumption this year.

Deputy director Weerapol Jeerapraditkul (วีระพล จีระประดิษฐกุล) said power consumption in the first half of this year grew by 4% from that of the same period last year but that was still below the estimated 5%-5.5%.

In May, the consumption did not increase because a lot of rains caused the weather to cool down.

Mr. Weerapol said the average rate of expansion this year should be at around 4%.

He said the small growth in electricity consumption would not affect investment plans of independent power producers for the production of about 1,200-1,500 megawatts.

Mr. Weerapol said most IPP power plants will mainly use natural gas but some will use coal and hydro-power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006

I hope that they can keep up with the demand for power. Are there any big power plants planned for Thailand?