Bangkok: The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) celebrates its 66th anniversary by continuing its efforts to expand its network in line with the global energy transition. It is focusing on Direct Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and Solar Rooftop projects, employing artificial intelligence to enhance electricity efficiency, and extending electricity access to over 190,000 households, including new residential zones and farmlands, to achieve broad energy accessibility for all.
According to Thai News Agency, PEA Governor Mr. Mongkol Treekitjanon emphasized the organization's ongoing mission to improve the quality of life through electricity services, contributing to national economic development. Currently, PEA administers electricity services across 74 provinces, catering to approximately 22.4 million users. The electricity infrastructure has been extended to every feasible area, while alternative energy solutions are planned for regions where traditional network expansion faces challenges, such as national parks and forest zones.
For those still lacking electricity access, PEA is initiating a project with a budget of about 6.5 billion baht to connect over 140,000 new households, including a separate project aimed at supporting approximately 50,000 agricultural households, thus aiding in sustaining livelihoods and reducing costs for farmers.
Additionally, PEA intends to invest over 6 billion baht in upgrading electricity systems on 11 islands, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of Thailand. In remote locales where extending transmission lines is not viable, solar power and energy storage systems will be deployed to improve living standards, reduce disparity, and ensure comprehensive electricity access.
Mr. Mongkol highlighted that PEA's original mission focused on expanding public electricity coverage, which has now evolved to include fortifying the network amidst the energy sector's transformation. This necessitates adapting to evolving electricity production and consumption trends.
PEA is set to increase investment in Smart Grid technologies, such as Smart Meters, mobile power stations, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The modernization of the network will support the integration of solar rooftops, renewable energy, and a projected rise in electric vehicle usage.
In tandem, PEA has developed a TPA Platform and an Energy Trading Platform to facilitate Direct PPA and future clean energy trading through the network. As soon as network usage tariffs are declared, PEA will be prepared to implement systems for electricity trading, presenting both new opportunities and challenges for PEA and Thailand's energy framework.
For Solar Rooftop systems, PEA offers a One-Stop Service to streamline the application, inspection, and connection process of electricity generation systems to the grid. The service is designed to expedite installations, with a 7-day process for parallel connections and a maximum 30-day process for selling electricity back to the grid.
Furthermore, PEA is registering service providers and inspecting products to ensure compliance with safety standards, facilitating the public's access to solar rooftop installations and promoting the adoption of clean energy.
PEA is also harnessing AI technology under the "AI GOES" initiative, aiming to enhance network management, operations, efficiency, business development, and service delivery to stabilize the power system. Public services, including PEA Smart Plus and PEA e-Service, will continue to offer online platforms for bill payments, request submissions, usage monitoring, and more.
Mr. Mongkol reaffirmed PEA's commitment to advancing its Digital and Green Grid towards Smart Energy Solutions and achieving a "Sustainable Energy Utility for ALL," ensuring a stable and efficient electricity system, promoting clean energy production and use, and supporting Thailand's shift towards a low-carbon society under the theme "66 Years of Trust: PEA Powering Every Life."