Energy Minister Aeknat revealed that streetlight electricity fees have been included in household electricity bills for citizens for over a decade, which is incorrect. He is pushing for a review to separate these charges and said government agencies could pay for their own electricity. If this is accomplished, household electricity bills will certainly decrease.
At 11:25 a.m. on 22 June 2026 at the Government House, Minister of Energy Aeknat Phunpan explained the issue of bundled streetlight electricity fees with household bills. He said he personally raised the matter because he wants to reduce electricity costs for citizens by addressing three issues: reviewing the adder contract, the streetlight electricity fees that have been deceptively included in household bills, and the purchase rates of electricity from power plants or sales to private companies. Improving these three areas would reduce the electricity burden on the public. Specifically, for highway and expressway streetlights, there must be clear explanations with separate bills showing actual usage. It is incorrect to treat this as a loss and add it to everyone's electricity bill.
When asked whether streetlight and household electricity bills are currently combined, Aeknat admitted that this has been done for decades, which is inappropriate.
"Today, many talk about saving electricity and saving streetlight power, but what is the benefit? Meters and accounts for highway and streetlight electricity must be separated. Government agencies can request budgets to pay for their own electricity. If this separation can be done, electricity bills for citizens will be lower."