Weak demand results in suspension of 4 power plants

Sluggish economic growth has prompted energy authorities to halt the operations of four power plants and delay the opening of a fifth to avoid a financial burden for electricity producers and buyers, says Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

- YUTHANA PRAIWAN

The suspension is meant to prevent a glut of electricity in the country when power demand is weak during a period of decreased economic activity, he said.

The decision was made recently by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC).

The four power plants are operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat). Three of them - North Bangkok, South Bangkok and Nam Phong are gas-fired power plants, while the other is Mae Moh units 8 and 9, a coal-fired power generation facility.