Electricity Bill Hike Likely in May

[Admin]

This effect all of us living in Thailand and I think the Gas prices will be increased soon as it is happening everywhere in the world right now.
 

Electricity Bill Hike Likely in May
-Tan Network 2011-02-03

The Electricity Generating Authority says a price increase for electricity is likely, in light of surging oil prices.

The hike could come as early as May.

Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand or EGAT, Sutat Patamasiriwat, said the fuel tariff or Ft charge on electricity bills is likely to increase in May, due to a recent rise in global oil prices influenced by protests in Egypt.

However, he said the imminent hike is subject to a review of the Energy Policy and Planning Office.

The price of crude oil currently stands at 90 U.S. dollars per barrel.

Sutat noted that the hike would be unnecessary if oil prices were between 70 and 80 dollars.

EGAT has estimated that the country's electricity consumption will rise 4.15 percent compared to last year, with usage expected to peak at 25,300 megawatts between March and June.

The governor further stated that the agency plans to use fuel oil in place of natural gas for power generation, since many natural gas plants will undergo maintenance in the first half of the year, which could result in a decline in the electricity output.

He added that some natural-gas power plants, such as the Jana plant and the Sinbhuhom plant, will continue to operate, as gas suppliers will start maintenance work in the latter half of the year.

In addition, Sutat said additional electricity outputs will be supplied from the Nam Ngum hydroelectric power plant in Laos and the Gecko-One coal power plant in Rayong province.

The two plants are able to generate a combined 1,200 megawatts of electricity.

He assured that at the current electricity generation capacity, there will be enough supply for national consumption.

Meanwhile, EGAT has yet to finalize measures in relation to the government's free electricity scheme for households using less than 90 units of electricity per month.

Sutat said the government must explain to industrial consumers if it decides they will pay higher electricity bills to cover the outstanding costs in association with the scheme.

However, he reaffirmed his support for the scheme, which aims to help reduce the financial burden on individual consumers.