BANGKOK, Thailand – Millions of electricity users could avoid higher power bills next quarter as Thailand’s energy regulator considers using a final 16.127 billion baht recovery fund to keep electricity prices unchanged at 3.95 baht per unit from September to December 2026. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has opened a public consultation on the next automatic tariff adjustment (Ft) period, presenting four possible options that would place average electricity costs between 3.95 and 4.73 baht per unit, excluding value-added tax.
The most closely watched option would maintain the current electricity rate of 3.95 baht per unit by combining cost reductions in natural gas pricing with the use of 16.127 billion baht from a “Claw Back” mechanism recovered from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). ERC Secretary-General Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon said the fund could reduce electricity costs by around 25.04 satang per unit. However, if the entire amount is used during this period, no additional Claw Back funds would remain for future tariff adjustments.
The latest fund is separate from the 9.4 billion baht previously used for the May-August 2026 billing period, which helped reduce electricity charges by 13 satang per unit. The ERC said the four proposed options reflect different approaches to managing rising energy costs. The highest option would see electricity prices rise to 4.73 baht per unit, reflecting actual costs and allowing gradual repayment of EGAT’s accumulated burden of 31.268 billion baht. Another option would set the rate at 4.25 baht per unit, reflecting new fuel costs while allowing EGAT to continue carrying previous expenses. A third option would reduce the rate to 4.20 baht per unit through lower natural gas costs under government energy policies.
The fourth option, currently attracting the most attention, would keep prices at 3.95 baht per unit by using the Claw Back fund together with lower gas costs while EGAT continues absorbing outstanding costs. The government is also considering a wider electricity reform plan, including a proposed special rate of less than 3 baht per unit for vulnerable households using no more than 200 electricity units per month. Energy officials stressed that the electricity base tariff and the Ft charge are separate. The current base tariff of 3.78 baht per unit has remained unchanged for more than six years, while Ft is adjusted every four months based on fuel prices, global energy costs, electricity purchase expenses, and exchange rates.
The National Energy Policy Council is expected to consider broader electricity pricing policies, while the ERC said it is ready to adjust regulations if new government policies are approved. The regulator is also studying whether electricity purchase costs from renewable energy producers should be reviewed to reflect falling technology costs. Officials said the review would not cancel existing power purchase agreements but would examine whether costs remain appropriate. Thailand currently has 593 renewable energy contracts already supplying electricity to the grid, with a combined capacity of 4,336 megawatts. The move comes as the government faces pressure to reduce living costs for households and businesses while balancing energy security and long-term electricity investment.
