Voices from villagers express disagreement. "Public electricity fees" or "street lighting fees" are being charged on citizens' bills, seen as a shifting of the burden, urging the government to urgently solve the problem.
Following the Energy Minister's explanation to the media about the electricity fee structure, stating that citizens have long shared the cost burden for the lighting system through the fee structure, many people across various areas have shown interest and commented on the issue (Read the news: “Eknath” reveals that street lighting fees have been included in household electricity bills for decades, urging a review and separation to reduce residential electricity costs.)
Regarding this matter, recently (23 Jun 2026), Ms. Intupha from Mueang Nakhon Sawan District revealed that she only learned about this issue through following various media reports. She believes that while street lighting is a necessary public utility that facilitates convenience and enhances safety for road users,
citizens should receive clear information about these expenses. Personally, she thinks it should be clarified who is responsible for each cost. If it is a public lighting system managed by government agencies, they should pay for the electricity themselves and transparently provide detailed information to the public to foster understanding and reduce societal doubts.
Alternatively, if separate electricity meters are installed or detailed expenses for the lighting system are clearly shown, it would help citizens understand the cost structure better and increase transparency in government budget management.
Similarly, in Kalasin province, Mrs. Parichat, aged 69, owner of a popular noodle and a la carte shop in Kalasin Municipality, said that despite being nearly 70 years old, she just learned that public street lighting fees are included in electricity bills. Citizens pay 10 satang per unit, which she finds excessive—taxing citizens for something public. The government or responsible agencies should bear these costs since the government already collects various taxes from citizens and should use those funds rather than charging through electricity bills, which adds to citizens' financial burdens.
Especially for the poor and low-income earners struggling day-to-day, having to pay higher electricity bills is unfair. Either the government agency owning the public space should pay, or the government should use tax revenues to set up a public lighting electricity fund to cover these costs instead of shifting the burden onto citizens. This is untenable and improper. She urges the government to promptly resolve or cancel the collection of public lighting electricity fees from citizens.
However, Mrs. Parichat also addressed the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Kalasin regarding her May 2026 electricity bill for her home and shop, which nearly doubled from the usual 1,500-1,800 baht to 3,000 baht. When queried, PEA staff said a malfunctioning transformer caused the high charges and that it had been fixed. She believes the electricity authority should take responsibility for the excess cost, not charge her the full 3,000 baht since it was not her fault. She calls for PEA Kalasin to investigate and compensate for the increased charges.
Meanwhile, Ms. Somporn, 57, from Don Po Daeng village, Um Mao subdistrict, Yang Talat district, Kalasin province, said she had never known that her monthly electricity bills included public lighting charges until the news broke nationwide on 22 Jun 2026. She finds it improper that public street lighting fees are collected from citizens and insists the responsible agencies should bear the cost. Since the government already collects taxes, a portion should be allocated to cover these expenses, not charged to hard-working citizens. She calls on the government to urgently address this issue and provide clear answers to the public.