Energy Minister Eknat Promphan revealed that streetlight electricity charges have been included in household electricity bills for over a decade, calling this practice improper. He urged an urgent review to separate these fees and said government agencies could cover their own expenses. If successful, household electricity bills would definitely be reduced.
At 11:25 a.m. on 22 June 2026 at the Government House, Energy Minister Eknat Promphan explained the issue of bundled streetlight and household electricity fees. He said he personally raised this to reduce electricity costs for the public by addressing three issues: reviewing adder contracts, the streetlight electricity fees that have been misleadingly combined with household bills, and finally the power purchase rates from power plants or sales to private companies. Improving these three areas would reduce the burden on consumers. Specifically, highway and expressway lighting charges need clear separation on bills, showing actual usage. Treating these as losses and adding them to everyone's bill is improper.
When asked if streetlight fees are currently included in household electricity bills, Eknat admitted that this has been done for over ten years and acknowledged it should not be done.
"Many talk about saving electricity and streetlight savings, but what is gained? We must install separate meters and accounts for highway and street lighting. Government agencies can request budgets to pay for these costs. If this separation is achieved, electricity costs for consumers will decrease."