On April 29, Akanat Promphan, Minister of Energy, revealed the results of the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) meeting. The NEPC approved two key energy agendas: the revision of electricity tariff policies for residential users and the promotion of rooftop solar power generation for citizens.
Regarding the restructuring of electricity tariffs, the NEPC approved a progressive tariff rate for residential electricity users. The first 200 units of electricity usage will be priced at no more than THB 3 per unit, while usage exceeding 200 units will be subject to a progressive rate reflecting efficient energy consumption.
At the same time, the NEPC tasked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), together with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), to design the tariff structure in accordance with relevant policies and laws, to be completed by June 2026. They are also responsible for supervising fair compensation and income subsidies among license holders.
In addition, the meeting assigned the ERC to use the Bypass Gas Fund of THB 369,568,004.06 as a Ft (fuel adjustment charge) discount for residential electricity users consuming no more than 200 units per month for the May–August 2026 period.
For the measure to promote the Citizen Solar initiative, the NEPC approved guidelines for purchasing excess electricity from residential rooftop solar cell installers in the form of Net Billing. The nationwide purchase target is set at no more than 500 megawatts, and each meter can sell no more than 5 kilowatts.
Electricity distribution authorities will purchase electricity at a rate of THB 2.20 per unit for 10 years, and the ERC is assigned to issue regulations and announce the purchase conditions by June 2026.
Furthermore, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PEA, and MEA are assigned to revise the Grid Code, including distribution systems and related equipment, to accommodate citizen-generated solar power without compromising grid stability.
Akanat stated that these measures are crucial mechanisms offering citizens the opportunity to generate their own electricity, reduce long-term energy spending, and support the usage of clean energy alongside reforms towards a liberalized electricity market.
