"Ekanat" announces adjustment of progressive electricity tariff: first 200 units reduced to 3 baht

Today (29 April 2026), 10:30 AM at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Minister of Energy, along with Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, briefed the press on the results of the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) meeting regarding the adjustment of electricity tariffs according to the progressive rate.

Mr. Ekanat stated that the NEPC meeting passed resolutions on two matters: promoting solar power installation and supporting citizens to use rooftop solar power to generate electricity for their own use. This will involve streamlining installation procedures according to the Cabinet's resolution, using a NonStop distribution system. For those who produce more than they need, the electricity will be bought back at a rate of 2.20 baht. The opportunity to sell excess electricity will open from June onwards. Previously, the nationwide limit was 90 megawatts. However, the latest meeting of the NEPC resolved to expand this by 500 megawatts at a time. If the limit is reached, further expansions will be implemented. We intend to promote the installation of solar power systems to generate electricity for self-use and for selling back into the grid as much as possible. There will no longer be the previous restriction of 90 megawatts once an application is submitted.

Mr. Ekanat stated that the second part concerns adjusting electricity rates according to the Cabinet's resolution. This rate applies only to residential users, excluding businesses such as restaurants, shops, and factories registered as small, medium, and large-scale enterprises. This will be a progressive rate adjustment, specifically for residential use. The first 200 units will be charged 3 baht. Based on our calculations, those who use less than 500 units per month will benefit from this adjustment, saving approximately 2,200 baht per month. We confirm that this estimate applies to users who consume less than 500 units per month. "Electricity will be cheaper," Mr. Ekanat continued, adding that he had been following the news and understood the doubts and possible misunderstandings regarding the claim that industrial factories, shops, and restaurants would bear the electricity costs of residential customers. He clarified that this calculation only applies to single-family homes. He also mentioned that many people might have misunderstood the new electricity rate as a flat-rate calculation, when in fact it's a progressive rate that requires calculating an average. He projected that those benefiting from the lower rate wouldn't just be those using less than 200 units but also those using no more than 500 units, covering over 90% of households nationwide, approximately 21 million households.

Mr. Ekanat further stated that, in addition to setting a new lower rate for those using less than 200 units, they would promote the installation of solar panels for self-generation of electricity. This would involve streamlining procedures and working collaboratively with the Ministry of Finance to secure a lump-sum payment plan, which would be cheaper than the initial electricity bill.

Finally, Mr. Ekanat concluded that one of the resolutions would be for the electricity distribution authorities—both regional and metropolitan—to study investment and installation services for solar power for households that lack the funds or don't want the hassle of finding installers. This would allow them to use cheaper electricity, which was also included in today's meeting resolution.

Meanwhile, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, added that the project is specifically for residential housing. He addressed concerns raised by the Federation of Thai Industries regarding the potential impact on small and large-scale industries that use significant amounts of electricity, fearing it would increase their electricity costs.

Mr. Varawut clarified that the 200-unit limit, or a total usage limit of 400-500 units, is a government-provided subsidy for residential use only. Registered businesses and projects are not included. Therefore, this is not a shift of electricity costs to businesses; the existing structure remains the same. Any changes will concern the electricity tariff structure for residential properties. He noted that if any residence is modified for purposes other than residential use, such as opening a restaurant, which increases electricity consumption, it will not benefit from this project. I reiterate that the industrial sector remains unchanged.