FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

ERC to discuss new policies on energy stability with minister

ERC to discuss new policies on energy stability with minister

The Energy Regulatory Committee (ERC) is planning to meet new Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong to discuss natural gas-related policies before presenting them to the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC).


ERC president Samerjai Suksumek said both existing and new energy-related policies will be discussed, as will the pressing issue of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat)’s import of 0.8 million to 1.5 million tonnes of liquid natural gas (LNG) per year. ERC will be coordinating with Egat and PTT Plc to ensure the proper usage of LNG and will mitigate any impacts on the country’s energy cost. 
Another urgent topic to be put on the meeting’s agenda is the adjustment of the natural gas pipeline fees after the new zoning law allows third-party access to PTT’s reserves and pipelines. The pipeline fee should be divided into two: demand charge which will be revised every three to five years and the commodity charge for zones one to five, which have to be revised on a yearly basis. 
“ERC is reviewing NEPC’s policies especially those related to LNG and pipeline fee to address the impact on Thailand’s energy situation. We will compile suitable suggestions to discuss with the new minister and later present the revised action plan to the NEPC for approval,” Samerjai said.
The ERC was established to regulate the operation of Thailand’s energy industry, prevent monopolies and promote fair competition between related parties, including the monitoring of power plants owned by Egat and the private sector, to ensure Thailand’s energy stability.

nationthailand