Bangkok: People are closely observing as the Prime Minister leads a meeting with the National Energy Policy Council to discuss halting the purchase of renewable electricity. Supachai Chaisaj, a party-list MP for the Prachachon Party, is particularly focused on whether the government will reduce electricity prices again according to previous campaign plans and urges a stop to the problematic renewable energy electricity purchase project to alleviate the burden on people's electricity costs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Supachai Chaisaj highlighted the importance of today's meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC), chaired by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. One of the main agendas is to consider the framework for adjusting electricity prices from September to December 2025. Supachai questions if the government will reduce prices for the upcoming period using the campaigned method. Previously, the government reduced the Ft rate to 19.72 satang per unit, resulting in an average electricity price of 3.98 baht per unit, which was merely a temporary solution using excess funds collected by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Supachai warns that once these funds are depleted, the public will face increased electricity costs again.
Mr. Supachai also questioned the government's progress on the three reform approaches it had campaigned for: reviewing Adder and FiT power purchase contracts, reducing burdens in long-term contracts, and adjusting the electricity management system to prioritize low-cost sources. He expressed concern that despite the lack of progress, the government continues to sign new electricity purchase contracts without considering the long-term costs to the public.
Furthermore, Mr. Supachai emphasized the need for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to decide on canceling the purchase of overpriced renewable energy. A committee appointed by the government is currently investigating a renewable energy power purchase project of more than 3,600 megawatts. Although no legal violations have been found, the project is seen as favoring the private sector and negatively impacting public benefits in the long run. Supachai calls on the Prime Minister to make decisive actions to reduce public electricity bills, suspend the signing of a 5,200 megawatt wind power project, and increase Direct PPA trading to allow direct electricity purchases from producers.