Power tariff cut to 3.88 baht as government eases energy burden
Thailand cuts the electricity tariff for Jan–Apr 2026 to 3.88 baht per unit, easing living costs as LNG prices fall and energy relief measures expand.
- The electricity tariff for January to April 2026 is being cut from 3.94 baht to 3.88 baht per unit.
- This reduction is part of a government initiative to ease energy-related living costs for the public.
- The lower tariff was approved after a recalculation based on a fall in projected natural gas prices.
- The decision also took into account the current economic situation and the impact of severe flooding in several provinces.
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon announced on Monday (December 1) that the electricity tariff for January–April 2026 will be reduced from 3.94 baht to 3.88 baht per unit, as part of the government’s priority to ease energy-related living costs.
He noted that the administration has already cut fuel prices twice and extended the LPG price cap at 423 baht per 15-kg cylinder until January 31, 2026. The ministry is also accelerating its “Quick Big Win” initiative to expand the use of solar energy across agriculture, households and the public sector to drive down national energy expenses in the long term.
Auttapol said he had instructed all relevant agencies — the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), PTT and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) — to jointly reassess the early-2026 tariff so that it reflects economic conditions and avoids placing additional pressure on households.
The ERC later approved EGAT’s proposal, recalculating the fuel tariff (Ft) based on lower expected natural gas prices, with LNG falling from US$12.5 to US$11.6 per MMBtu.
The review also factored in the accumulated factor (AF), noting that some debt repayment remains necessary to maintain financial discipline. Under the revised Ft, the charge for January–April 2026 will drop from 15.72 satang to 9.72 satang per unit, bringing the final tariff to 3.88 baht per unit (excluding VAT).
Auttapol stressed that all measures must follow legal and technical principles, adding that the tariff reduction aligns with the economic situation and the impact of severe flooding across several provinces.
Flood-relief assistance and energy-sector stabilisation
To support flood-hit areas, the Energy Ministry and PTT Oil and Retail have set up five fuel-service points around inundated zones to provide free petrol for rescue units. Tens of thousands of relief bags have also been distributed to affected residents.
As conditions improve, the ministry plans to help rescue teams return home by offering fuel cards worth 5,000 baht per vehicle. Although the total demand for fuel has not been formally assessed, officials have coordinated with fuel retailers to ensure sufficient stock.
Auttapol confirmed that the national power supply remains stable despite flooding at the Jana power plant. Generation is being supplemented by the Krabi and Khanom plants, while localised blackouts were precautionary safety measures implemented by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in flooded neighbourhoods.
Several petrol stations and LPG bottling plants have temporarily halted operations due to flood damage, but the Songkhla oil depot continues to function normally.
Provincial energy teams and support units nationwide are working to restore damaged power systems and fuel infrastructure. The minister added that the Jana plant may take more than two months to return to full operation, although backup capacity elsewhere in the grid remains sufficient.
The proposal to waive electricity bills in disaster-hit areas is still under discussion between EGAT and the PEA.
