Bangkok: Dr. Atthawich Suwannabhakdi, a party-list MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, has called on the Ministry of Energy to urgently increase electricity rates for data centers. He expressed concern that the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) might be unable to sustain the rising costs, which could, in turn, impact public expenses.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Atthawich addressed this issue at the Parliament, underscoring the government's ongoing efforts to reduce electricity costs for the public. The government has committed over 12,000 million baht to ensure that the price of electricity for the first 200 units does not exceed 3 baht per unit. Additionally, it is deducting over 18,000 million baht in street lighting costs from public bills, resulting in a total government burden exceeding 30,000 million baht. These measures are set to take effect from the September 2026 billing cycle.
Dr. Atthawich highlighted that despite previous indications from the Minister of Energy that data center electricity rates would surpass household rates, clarity on implementation is still lacking. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has yet to reduce electricity rates for the MEA and PEA, both under the Ministry of Interior. Prolonging the current situation could lead to significant losses for these agencies, potentially hindering future electricity coverage expansion.
Dr. Atthawich referenced data from the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), revealing that as of August 31, 2026, the PEA remitted 16,011 million baht and the MEA remitted 5,104 million baht. This combined amount falls short of covering the government's commitments, resulting in a deficit nearing 9,000 million baht.
As government expenses continue to rise, Dr. Atthawich emphasized the urgent need for revenue compensation. He urged the Minister of Energy to promptly announce an increase in electricity rates for data centers and to clearly delineate the expense responsibilities among EGAT, PEA, and MEA.
"The delay by the Ministry of Energy has consequences. Don't hesitate; they must make a decision immediately. The two electricity authorities can no longer bear the burden of electricity costs, and this will definitely affect their budgets," stated Dr. Atthawich.