The Prime Minister chaired the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) meeting to monitor electricity tariff measures following the Cabinet's approval of the “National Energy Agenda.” He stressed the need to build understanding after academics criticized the policy as favoring heavy electricity users at the expense of light users. Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Secretary-General confirmed the new tariff structure will be ready in time for the June billing cycle.
On 29 April 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, arrived at Government House at 9:09 a.m. and paid respects to the Narasingha statue on the second-floor balcony of the Thai Khu Fah building.
The Prime Minister then met with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anek Niti Thantipraphas, Industry Minister Warawut Silpa-archa, and Energy Minister Aeknath Promphan to receive briefing summaries before chairing the first NEPC meeting of 2026 (the 175th meeting) at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, at 9:30 a.m.
The NEPC meeting agenda included revising electricity tariff policies for residential users and promoting solar power generation through rooftop solar installations for the public.
Meanwhile, Poolphat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), revealed that the NEPC meeting would discuss the overall electricity tariff structure, especially for residential users. The Prime Minister will provide policy guidance during the meeting, after which the ERC will proceed with developing the tariff structure.
When asked about the completion timeline, the ERC Secretary-General stated the government aims to finalize the tariff structure in time for the June billing cycle. The subsequent steps will follow the tariff-setting procedures, which are the ERC's responsibility.
At 9:30 a.m., the Prime Minister chaired the first NEPC meeting of 2026 (the 175th meeting) and opened the session by noting that this was the first meeting of the year. He highlighted the ongoing and potentially prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which remains uncertain and volatile, directly impacting Thailand and affecting global energy stability, thereby raising living costs for the public.
In response, the government issued five Prime Ministerial orders to address fuel shortages caused by the Middle East conflict, as part of managing national energy security. The Energy Minister, as NEPC chair, and the Fuel Fund Management Committee have maintained prices at reasonable levels to prevent adverse effects on the public and the economy. Today's meeting aims to ensure energy security and reduce electricity costs for citizens in the long term, including: 1) urging the Energy Ministry to expedite the 2024-2037 energy action plan as the national energy framework, and 2) requesting the Energy Ministry to study measures allowing private entities to enter direct electricity purchase agreements and enabling third parties to access transmission systems to support government policies.
The meeting will also consider revising residential electricity tariff policies and promoting rooftop solar power production for the public. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for clarity, responding to public and academic criticism portraying the policy as benefiting heavy electricity users at the expense of light users. He clarified that the focus is on residential electricity use, excluding commercial operators from this package. He requested the Energy Minister and relevant officials to clarify and communicate accurate information to the public.