Khon Kaen Residents Say Solar Scheme Favors Wealthy Households

Khon Kaen residents are disappointed with the "People's Solar" project, saying strict eligibility criteria set by the Energy Regulatory Commission exclude low-income and small-household applicants. At 1:00 PM on October 28, 2026, at the Provincial Electricity Authority Region 1 office on Kasikorn Thung Sang Road in Khon Kaen Municipality, reporters surveyed public opinion and found most people dissatisfied because they failed to meet the ERC's detailed requirements, which they say favor the wealthy and large homeowners.

Benjaporn, 60, said she contacted the electricity office and was told her household uses about 1,000 baht of electricity per month. To join the project, she would need a loan of up to 140,000 baht for installation, which visiting officials said was not cost-effective. This effectively means low-income people or those with small homes cannot access the hundred-thousand-baht loans the government has set. "The government should offer smaller packages suited to low-usage homes, such as a 60,000 baht installation cost with 20,000-30,000 baht state support. That would meet the need better than setting conditions that turn the project into one that only helps the rich. I see the government implementing a project that misses the mark."

Pichat, 62, revealed his family pays about 3,000 baht per month for electricity but was disqualified because the ground floor of his house operates as a hair salon. Officials said this violated the residential criteria due to commercial activity. He questioned where people should go to earn a living if they cannot use their homes, noting that renting elsewhere adds to their burden. "Furthermore, the 140,000 baht bank loan requires collateral, which is very difficult for ordinary people to access. In summary, I see this project not helping the poor but assisting those with status and large homes. I want the government to review and adjust the conditions so grassroots people can truly access this project."