BREAKING: National Energy Committee Green-Lights Progressive Electricity Rates and Promotes Public Solar Rooftop Systems
Thailand's energy committee approved progressive electricity rates and incentives for residential solar rooftop systems, with a fuel charge discount for households through August 2025 and plans to purchase excess solar power at 2.20 baht pe
The National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) has green-lit reforms to electricity rates and promotion of residential solar rooftop systems. Energy Minister Eknath Promphand announced on April 29 at Government House that the NEPC's first meeting of 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, approved two major energy initiatives following a Cabinet resolution from April 28.
The two key measures include: 1) Reforming residential electricity rates through a progressive rate structure, and 2) Promoting solar rooftop installations for citizens. Fuel costs for electricity generation have risen due to Middle East tensions and global energy price volatility, prompting the NEPC to review sustainable assistance measures that better target beneficiaries.
The progressive rate policy aims to promote efficient electricity use, address energy crisis challenges, and reduce household living expenses. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has been tasked with coordinating with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to implement the progressive rate design by June 2025.
Additionally, the ERC will allocate 369.6 million baht from bypass gas funds as a fuel charge discount for May-August 2025, benefiting households using 200 units or less monthly.
For solar rooftop promotion, the NEPC approved a net billing framework targeting up to 500 megawatts nationwide. The system will purchase excess solar power from residential installations at 2.20 baht per unit with a 10-year purchase agreement, limited to 5 kilowatts per meter. The ERC must issue regulations by June 2025, while electricity distributors will upgrade grid infrastructure and standards to accommodate the solar target without compromising national grid stability.
