The Energy Regulatory Commission is considering a potential increase in electricity prices for the September-December period, citing necessary adjustments due to several economic factors. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Secretary-General of the Office of Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC), indicated that the current rate of 4.18 baht/unit may need to be raised to between 4.65 baht/unit and 6.01 baht/unit.
Public hearings will be conducted via the OERC’s website to gather feedback on the proposed price adjustments, scheduled from Friday until July 26. The commission has outlined three potential price options: 6.01 baht/unit, reflecting a 44% increase; 4.92 baht/unit, up by 18%; and 4.65 baht/unit, an 11% rise.
Poonpat highlighted external factors influencing the proposed adjustments. The Thai baht has weakened against the US dollar, currently standing at 36.63 baht per dollar, down by 1.29 baht from previous months. Moreover, the spot price of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a key fuel source for electricity generation, has surged by US$3.2 per million BTU. Anticipated winter demand increases in northern and southern regions further contribute to the upward pressure on fuel prices.
Looking ahead, the fuel tariff (FT) for the last quarter of the year could be adjusted within a range of 46.83 to 182.99 satang/unit. This adjustment will consequently impact electricity tariffs, potentially setting them between 4.65 and 6.01 baht/unit to align with the prevailing economic conditions and demand projections.
