The Minister of Industry assures that the progressive electricity tariff measures focus on assisting households. He warns that restaurants and cafes must properly register their businesses to avoid facing steep electricity bills due to the new progressive rates due to improper classification.
On 29 Apr 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House, Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, spoke after attending the 1/2026 meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC), chaired by the Prime Minister. He addressed concerns from business and industry sectors regarding the new electricity tariff restructuring, clarifying that the stepped (progressive) electricity rate adjustment will apply only to households or residential users. There will be no shifting of cost burdens onto industries, retailers, or restaurants.
“Previously, the Federation of Thai Industries expressed worry that reducing electricity costs for the public would force business operators to bear higher expenses. I want to confirm that operators will continue to pay electricity at the existing rates without changes, and there will be no scenario where industries pay more per unit than households to compensate for the difference,” Warawut stated.
However, the Minister of Industry issued a warning to small operators, especially those converting residences into small restaurants or coffee shops. If they do not register their electricity usage correctly according to the purpose and consume electricity at levels qualifying for the higher progressive rates under the new structure, they may not benefit from the reduced tariff measures and could face higher costs based on actual consumption. Therefore, he urged them to promptly correct their registration to protect their own interests.