The NEPC board has introduced a major cost-of-living reduction measure, setting electricity rates at 3 baht for the first 200 units consumed by users, and ordering the removal of public lighting fees from citizens' electricity bills.
On 15 July 2026, Pol.Por. Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of the Interior and supervisor of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), revealed after the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) meeting that approved measures to restructure energy prices to help the public. He stated that the committee resolved to set a special electricity rate of only 3 baht per unit for users consuming no more than the first 200 units. In addition, the committee made a key decision to completely remove "road lighting and public lighting fees" from citizens' electricity bills. The government will change its budget management approach to cover this difference, primarily by collecting additional revenue from the data center industry investing in the country.
Regarding the next steps, Pol.Por. Suwanchavee said the NEPC will forward this resolution to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the three electricity authorities to open a 15-day public consultation period. Afterwards, they will consider an appropriate pricing structure. The estimated compensation cost for public lighting is about 18 billion baht, which will come from the profits and earnings of data center businesses to be invested in the future. Then, the proposal will be formally submitted to the Cabinet meeting, aiming to implement the changes as soon as possible within the August 2026 billing cycle.
When asked about budget management if revenue from data centers is not collected promptly, the Deputy Interior Minister explained that the MEA and PEA will manage this by considering profits from various activities. Additionally, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will help share the responsibility. The exact proportions will be discussed further by the ERC in future meetings. However, he emphasized the key principle that small consumers will not bear this burden.
Regarding concerns that raising electricity rates for data centers might affect investor confidence and foreign investment, Pol.Por. Suwanchavee said the government will establish a committee chaired by Energy Minister Aeknath Promphan. This committee will compare electricity rates and investment incentives across Southeast Asia and other countries to find the best balance.
“We must weigh both advantages and disadvantages. Although data centers bring huge investments, in reality, they create few domestic jobs and heavily consume Thailand's natural resources, including water and electricity. The more electricity this industry uses, the higher the country’s overall energy production costs, as we have to import more gas to generate power. Therefore, these investors must share responsibility, but the burden should not fall on the public,” Pol.Por. Suwanchavee concluded.