"Aeknat" has submitted a new electricity tariff restructuring formula to the Cabinet, targeting a 10-20% reduction in electricity costs for 20 million residential households. The changes are expected to take effect in the June 2026 billing cycle for usage up to 400 units and include measures to promote solar energy among the public.
At 08:30 on 28 April 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Aeknat Promphan, Minister of Energy, spoke about the restructuring of household electricity tariffs, stating that the government aims to permanently reduce electricity costs by addressing three main issues:
1. The electricity purchase contracts with adders totaling about 4,000 megawatts; if these contracts can be terminated, electricity costs could decrease by approximately 0.10 baht per unit.
2. Encouraging government agencies and public sectors to use electricity more efficiently; for example, efficient street lighting could reduce costs by 0.10 baht per unit.
3. The increase in electricity prices due to the FT (Fuel Adjustment Charge), which is tied to imported gas prices referenced to market rates. Currently, gas prices have doubled, leading to a doubling in electricity prices.
Therefore, these three actions must be taken by major sectors. If fully implemented, electricity costs could fall by 0.30 to 0.40 baht per unit for everyone.
Mr. Aeknat added that recent impacts from the Middle East have raised imported gas prices, increasing electricity production costs. As a result, measures are in place to lower electricity prices for households, excluding small and large businesses, farmers, and users billed under the Time-of-Use (TOU) meter rates.
In total, 23 million households nationwide will be billed in a tiered manner, with the first 200 units priced cheaply at no more than 3 baht per unit. All users consuming up to 200 units will get a 20% discount. Those using 400 units will benefit from the first 200 units priced at 3 baht. Units beyond 200 will be charged at a slightly increased special rate, effectively reducing their electricity cost by 10%. For users consuming more than 400 units, the excess will be charged at an additional rate. It is assured that everyone will experience lower electricity costs on average.
The items to be submitted to the Cabinet include a comprehensive energy plan as a national agenda, covering electricity rates, promotion of rooftop solar with streamlined procedures, and securing funding options offering loans at cheaper installments compared to electricity bills.
Additionally, the agenda includes promoting the use of electric bicycles and electric motorcycles manufactured in Thailand, enhancing electricity efficiency in government agencies and street lighting, and permanently reducing electricity costs. The Cabinet resolution will expedite negotiations to cancel or amend perpetual slave contracts that cause high tariffs, and reduce dependence on gas for power generation by cutting expensive gas imports. Replacing gas with solar energy will lower electricity costs for all.
After presenting the matter to the Cabinet, tomorrow (29 April) Mr. Aeknat will meet with the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) to proceed with a public hearing. The new electricity tariff is expected to take effect in the June 2026 billing cycle, with consumers paying according to the revised rates then.