THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) yesterday (Aug. 12) removed a street lighting charge from public electricity bills leading to 6-satang reduction in the rate to 3.89 baht a unit from next month (September), TV Channel 7 said.
Moreover, rate structure for residential electricity has also been adjusted, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht per unit.
Mr. Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon, ERC’s secretary-general and its spokesperson, said the commission decided to remove the street lighting charge from public electricity bills at yesterday’s meeting as this has been a burden on citizens for over 30 years, amounting to approximately 18 billion baht per year.
The ERC will subsequently inform all three electricity authorities of this resolution to cut the electricity rate from an average rate of 3.95 baht per unit to 3.89 baht per unit.
In addition, the electricity rates for residential properties has been adjusted to a progressive rate system. The first 200 units of electricity usage will be charged at a maximum of 3 baht per unit, covering all electricity users.
For usage between 201-400 units and above 401 units, the original rate after removing the public utility charge will still apply.
Furthermore, the definition has been expanded to include rental houses, dormitories, apartments, and houses without registered addresses, allowing them to use the same rates as residential properties.
The government had also implemented energy-saving measures for road lighting and achieved a 40 percent reduction in electricity costs since May 1 this year, NBT said.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated the initiative is part of a broader national strategy to manage energy consumption amid the conflict in the Middle East, a critical region for energy production and logistics.
Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed all government agencies and state enterprises to strictly enforce energy conservation policies. In response, the Department of Rural Roads under the Transport Ministry optimised lighting usage on rural highways.
These reductions apply to low-risk areas with an average traffic volume of 60 vehicles per hour, ensuring public safety and national security remain uncompromised.
The Department of Rural Roads conducted comprehensive studies to ensure visibility remains high at critical points, including intersections and sharp curves. Aside from reductions in usage, the department has launched a long-term modernisation plan to replace conventional streetlights with high-efficiency LED bulbs. The government aims to complete the installation of 800,000 LED units nationwide by 2028.
CAPTION:
Street lights in Thailand. Above photo – Naewna, Front Page – PPTVHD36
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