Sontirat hails community power projects in Northeast, warns of zero tolerance for bribery
Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong was in Khon Kaen this week singing the praises of community-based power plants and alternative energy sources in the Northeast, but warning of stiff punishment for any officials trying to take advantage of the progress being made.
He reported “a good response” to the energy policy from citizens and entrepreneurs, saying community power plants can benefit the local economy while ensuring that everyone has access to electricity.
It will create jobs, bring in added income, reduce relocations in the workforce and increase investment in the area, such as in the cultivation of crops that can be used as fuel, he said. It will even reduce PM2.5 dust pollution because farmers will be burning less cropland debris.
Sontirat said a committee would be established to work with communities and address issues and complaints. “If any officials seek to profit from these projects, they will face the penalty punishment,” he warned. “I want everyone to be our eyes and share what they suspect.”
He stressed that the ministry has clear guidelines for implementing community-based power plants and is ready to support entrepreneurs and communities that are ready to invest.
