The ERC has set the fuel adjustment rate (Ft) for May to August 2026 at 16.23 satang per unit, using the Claw back mechanism to reduce the average electricity price to 3.95 baht per unit.
On 1 April 2026, Dr. Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission Office and spokesperson for the ERC, announced that at the 13/2569 ERC meeting (the 1,003rd meeting) on 1 April 2026, the commission reviewed public feedback and approved the automatic fuel adjustment rate (Ft) for the period of May to August 2026. The Ft was set at 16.23 satang per unit. When combined with the base electricity rate of 3.78 baht per unit, the average electricity charge will be 3.95 baht per unit (excluding VAT).
This Ft reflects the projected fuel and electricity purchase costs for May to August 2026 at 29.66 satang per unit. In this decision, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will continue to absorb accumulated outstanding costs (AF) of 35.928 billion baht on behalf of the public. At the same time, the ERC will apply a Claw back of approximately 9.472 billion baht, equivalent to 13.43 satang per unit, to help reduce the electricity cost burden amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets caused by unrest in the Middle East.
Dr. Poolpat stated that setting the Ft follows the regulatory framework under Section 65 of the Energy Industry Act B.E. 2550 (2007), which requires rates to reflect actual costs transparently, verifiably, and fairly to consumers. Additionally, the ERC's 2021 rate-setting framework allows the commission to use Claw back funds to reduce electricity charges appropriately to alleviate crisis impacts and support rate stability in the next regulatory period.
“The ERC prioritizes balancing the true reflection of energy costs with managing the public's cost of living by using legal mechanisms such as managing outstanding costs (AF) and applying Claw back funds to mitigate electricity price impacts, avoiding shocks to consumers while the economy is still recovering,” Dr. Poolpat said.
Regarding public feedback collected via the ERC website from 25 to 31 March 2026, a total of 340 responses were received. About 49% agreed with the average electricity rate of 3.95 baht per unit, which is the approach that uses the Claw back to help reduce the electricity burden.
Dr. Poolpat added, “As for proposals requesting the government to fix the electricity price at 3.88 baht per unit, it should be noted that currently there are about 26 million electricity users. Fixing the price by every 1 satang requires about 706 million baht. Therefore, fixing it 7 satang lower would require approximately 5 billion baht over four months.”
Specifically, for residential users consuming up to 200 units per month, numbering about 14.3 million or 62% of all residential users, the cost to fix the price would be around 366 million baht. For those using up to 300 units per month, about 17.5 million users or 76% of residential users, the cost would be roughly 591 million baht over four months.
“Decisions to fix electricity prices must consider budget burdens, power system stability, and long-term impacts. The ERC continues to adhere to regulatory principles that are balanced, transparent, and fair to all stakeholders,” Dr. Poolpat said.
The ERC is also closely monitoring global energy prices, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG), which remain volatile due to geopolitical factors and increased energy demand. These could affect electricity production costs in the next period.
The ERC Office emphasizes that in April, the hot season leads to higher electricity demand due to extreme heat. This causes electrical appliances, especially air conditioners, to work harder to cool indoor temperatures, and refrigerators to cycle more frequently to maintain coolness, increasing overall electricity consumption. This may result in higher monthly electricity bills under the tiered (Progressive Rate) pricing structure.
The ERC Office encourages the public to use electricity efficiently by following the “5 Ps” approach: Disconnect, Turn off, Adjust, Replace, and Plant, especially by setting air conditioners to appropriate temperatures and maintaining appliances in good condition. These measures help reduce energy use and ease electricity expenses in the long term.