"Aknat" presented a new electricity rate restructuring formula to the cabinet, aiming to reduce electricity costs by 10-20% for 20 million residential households. The change is expected to take effect starting with the June 2026 billing cycle for consumption up to 400 units, alongside promoting solar power use among the public.
At 08:30 on 28 April 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Aknat Phornpan, Minister of Energy. He spoke about the new electricity rate restructuring for households, saying the government is trying to permanently reduce electricity costs by addressing three main issues:
1. Electricity purchase contracts with adders totaling about 4,000 megawatts. Cancelling these contracts could reduce electricity costs by approximately 0.10 baht per unit.
2. Emphasizing efficient electricity use in government agencies and public facilities, such as street lighting, which if used efficiently could reduce costs by 0.10 baht per unit.
3. The increase in electricity costs caused by the FT (Fuel Adjustment Charge) due to imported gas prices, which are market-referenced. Currently, gas prices have doubled, causing electricity prices to double as well.
Therefore, the major sectors must address these three points. If fully implemented, electricity prices will decrease by 0.30-0.40 baht per unit for everyone.
Mr. Aknat added that due to impacts from the Middle East, imported gas prices and thus electricity production costs have risen. Therefore, measures to reduce electricity prices for households are planned, excluding small and large businesses, farmers, and those using Time-of-Use (TOU) meters.
Calculations show there are about 23 million households nationwide who will pay in a tiered manner as follows: The first 200 units will be priced affordably, not exceeding 3 baht per unit. Everyone using up to 200 units will get a 20% reduction. Those using up to 400 units will benefit from the first 200 units at 3 baht each, while units beyond 200 will be charged at a slightly higher special rate, resulting in an overall 10% reduction in electricity cost. For users consuming over 400 units, the excess will be charged at an additional rate. He is confident everyone will benefit from lower electricity costs or pay rates equal to the current average.
Today's cabinet meeting will address the broader national energy agenda including electricity rates, promoting rooftop solar by speeding up procedures, and finding cheaper financing options compared to paying electricity bills.
Additionally, there are agendas to promote electric bicycles and motorcycles manufactured in Thailand, increase efficient electricity use in government agencies and street lighting, and permanently reduce electricity costs. The cabinet resolution will accelerate negotiations to cancel or revise perpetual slave contracts that cause high electricity rates. It will also reduce dependence on expensive imported gas by encouraging solar energy use, resulting in lower costs for everyone.
After presenting the issue to the cabinet, tomorrow (29 April), he will attend a meeting with the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) to initiate public hearings. The new rates are expected to apply starting with the June 2026 billing cycle, when the public will pay according to the new electricity rates.