With electricity bills expected to rise from January, the Thai government is considering more relief measures for low-income households. Nation Thailand reports that Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow says adjustment of the fuel tariff is expected to lead to higher bills from January.
The tariff is adjusted 3 times a year, in January, May and September.
“Power bills are likely to rise even further after the January adjustment, therefore more measures will be rolled out to help people, especially low-income households.”
According to the report, households using fewer than 300 units of electricity a month are currently offered a subsidy of 0.92 baht per unit. Households that use between 301 and 500 units receive a 15 – 75% subsidy on electricity bills. The subsidies run from September to December, costing around 6.8 billion baht in state funds.
Ahead of the measures being drafted, the Energy Regulatory Commission is consulting with members of the public, entrepreneurs, and related agencies, with more information expected by December.
Meanwhile, the energy minister is optimistic about economic recovery, pointing to recent reports that show GDP growing by 4.5% in the first three quarters of the year. Supattanapong says that during December and in early 2023, the government will continue to drive tourism promotion, expected to be a major contributor to Thailand’s economic recovery.
Tourism officials are expecting 10 million international arrivals this year, with the 10 millionth visitor expected by the middle of next month.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
