PLUGGED IN TO THE PUBLIC

For the government's limited term, the energy minister wants to ensure stable prices while promoting new policies, writes Yuthana Praiwan

- 

The four-month term of the Anutin Charnvirakul government has prompted the Energy Ministry to launch monetary-oriented policies designed to match the short stint.

People and businesses should not bear more energy expenses, while entrepreneurs must gain greater opportunities to earn more revenue amid the sluggish economy, said Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

Mr Auttapol vowed to work with energy authorities to consider trimming the power tariff, which is used to calculate electricity bills, even before Mr Anutin delivered the government's policy statement to lawmakers during the parliamentary session on Sept 29 and 30. The administration's work is expected to end after January 2026.

The minister is ensuring his policies align with the prime minister's "Quick Big Win" campaign, which supports swift, impactful and broadly beneficial projects.

AFFORDABLE POWER

Authorities are planning ahead to determine an appropriate power tariff for the first four months of 2026, a task described by Mr Auttapol as being full of details and not easily concluded.

Still, he vowed before the tariff rate is finalised in December energy prices "must not be a burden for people", allowing them to deal with the cost of living.

Though the price of natural gas, a key fuel for power generation in Thailand, is not expected to surge during the winter, which could allow for a lower power tariff, there are other factors that must be considered to determine whether power bills can be cut.

The power tariff of 3.94 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) applies until the end of December.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects the power tariff to remain unchanged for the first four months of 2026 because the prices of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) should not significantly fluctuate despite greater gas demand in the cold season.