Bangkok: The National Energy Policy Council, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has approved a new progressive electricity tariff to provide relief for low-income households and removed limits on rooftop solar buybacks.
According to Thai News Agency, effective this June for a four-year period, the measure caps the rate for the first 200 units of residential consumption at under 3 baht per unit. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan stated that the move targets households using up to 500 units per month, benefiting approximately 21 million households, or 90% of the country. The Prime Minister emphasized that the restructuring is contained within the residential sector and does not require industrial users to subsidize the lower rates.
In a push for renewable energy, the council has also "unlocked" the solar buyback scheme by replacing the previous 90-megawatt national limit with rolling 500 MW increments. The state will buy excess electricity from residents at 2.20 baht per unit under 10-year contracts.
To streamline the process, a "One Stop Service" will be established to expedite approvals: applications for self-consumption only will be processed within 7 days, while those involving the sale of surplus power to the grid will be completed within 30 days.
Furthermore, the Energy Ministry is working with the Finance Ministry to offer low-interest financing so that monthly solar panel installments remain cheaper than the savings on electricity bills. Authorities are also studying a "free installation" model for households that cannot afford the upfront investment.