Today, April 30, brings a breath of fresh air and relief to many Thai households and businesses as a new development in the energy sector unfolds. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is all set to lower the electricity tariff rate, promising a much-needed respite from hefty energy bills. So, brace yourselves, as this change is expected to take effect for the upcoming billing cycle from May to August, with the Fuel Tariff (Ft) rate anticipated to drop from 4.15 baht to a more palatable 3.99 baht per unit.
The announcement will be officially made by Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, the Secretary-General and spokesperson for the ERC, who will share the news following a proposal by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). This commendable step is part of an ongoing initiative to alleviate the burden of high living costs and ease the financial pressures that have weighed heavily on the public’s shoulders. “This reduction is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing energy cost relief,” states the ERC in their press release. Moreover, EGAT, in its dedication to shielding consumers, has also delayed the recovery of the substantial fuel and power purchase costs it has taken on.
Had the rate stayed unchanged at 4.15 baht per unit, as it was in the January to April period, EGAT would have started the recovery process of its escalating cost burdens. These burdens, known in the industry as the Accumulated Factor (AF), stand at a whopping 14.59 billion baht, equivalent to 20.33 satang per unit.
EGAT’s accumulated costs include a myriad of expenses, particularly the variance between the real and invoiced prices of natural gas sourced from state suppliers during September to December 2023. This absorption of costs has reached a staggering 70 billion baht, although with the forthcoming tariff reduction, it is predicted to decrease to 60.47 billion baht by the end of August. Noteworthy is that an additional 15.08 billion baht remains unsettled from past gas pricing discrepancies during the same period in 2023, as reported by The Nation.
The much-anticipated press conference, themed “Results of the Consideration of the Proposal to Adjust the Electricity Tariff according to the Automatic Tariff Adjustment Formula (Ft) for May to August,” will unravel at 1 PM today at the ERC’s headquarters in bustling Bangkok. Here, Dr. Poonpat will provide an in-depth breakdown of the rate adjustment, elucidating its far-reaching consequences for consumers across the nation.
In a wave of local news, there are captivating tales unfolding across Thailand. A notorious ninja thief was apprehended under a bed just minutes ago; Thailand slashes its summer electricity rates, much to the public’s delight; an intriguing story unfolds as authorities open 30 billion baht worth of airport land for private ventures; and an inheritance spat in Ratchaburi has tragically escalated to a shooting incident involving a 79-year-old. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a scandal brews as Chinese men level accusations against a Thai official regarding extortion.
The flurry of stories doesn’t stop there. From captivating tales of missing persons and shocking restaurant closures due to illegal activities, to lovers’ quarrels leading to live-streamed chaos, Thailand’s news cycle is as vibrant and dynamic as ever. Each story, from an adventurous disappearance in a homemade boat to arsenic challenges in Chiang Mai’s Kok River, paints a vivid picture of a country bustling with life and stories waiting to be told.
As we cap off today’s exciting update, today is indeed a day of relief for those impacted by high energy costs, a reminder that change, albeit incremental, is always on the horizon. With the ERC championing efforts to ease financial burdens, Thai citizens can step into this new billing period with newfound optimism.
Finally some relief from these crazy electricity bills! Thank goodness the ERC stepped in.
Yeah, but won’t they just raise the prices again once the summer is over? It’s just temporary relief.
I get your point, but at least it’s something for now. Every bit helps, especially with everything getting more expensive.
These adjustments are often more about political convenience than actual economic relief.
It’s great to see some progress, but what about addressing the root issues in the energy sector?
Exactly. It’s about time they invest in renewable energy solutions instead of temporary financial fixes.
I totally agree. More sustainable practices could prevent these constant price fluctuations.
Renewable energy is expensive and needs years of investment. We need immediate solutions too.
What happens if EGAT can’t recover those losses? Won’t that affect the entire power supply?
Honestly, I think we’ve got bigger fish to fry than just energy costs in this country. Just look at all the other issues mentioned in the news!
True, but energy cost affects everyone. It can’t be ignored even if there are other problems.
I get that, but sometimes it feels like we’re just putting out fires instead of preventing them.
15.08 billion baht unsettled… I wonder how they plan to address that? Can anyone explain this?
It’s complicated, but mostly about balancing costs with consumer prices and state subsidies.
I just hope this doesn’t impact our taxes in the long run. Government decisions always circle back to us.
I find all these economic solutions short-sighted. Why not focus on long-term stability and sustainability?
Well, it’s easier said than done. The infrastructure shift required is monumental and not seamless.
Are we sure they’re not just delaying the inevitable? Feels like a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.
If energy prices stay high, it affects everything—from groceries to travel. This reduction is essential.
Exactly. The energy cost cut will trickle down into other life aspects and reduce overall expenses.
What timing! Just in time for the elections. Coincidence?
The ninja thief story cracked me up! Thailand never fails to surprise.
What’s funny about crime? That’s not part of the discussion!
Will Thailand’s economic growth sustain with such high fuel costs?
Good question. Growth might sputter, but there are other market variables at play here, like tourism recovery.
This is not only a relief to us consumers but also an opportunity for businesses to pass on savings to customers.
Reading about Thailand just keeps me in awe. So many things happening at once—it’s truly dynamic!